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Joseph Robert Finelli

FUNERAL HOME

Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg

3785 Strawberry Plains Rd.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Joseph Finelli Obituary

WILLIAMSBURG - Joseph Robert Finelli, 74, of Williamsburg, passed away on August 31, 2014. Joseph proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard, having graduated from the Coast Guard Academy, Class of 1962, and retiring at the rank of Captain after 31 years of service. He was an active member of the Colonial Italian American Organization (CIAO), serving as Italian Festival Chairman for the past 10 years. He was also a member of St. Bede Roman Catholic Church. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Finelli; son, Robert Finelli and his wife, Debbie; daughter, Susan Chaney and her husband, Leonard; grandchildren, Joey and Nina Finelli and Atom Chaney; as well as his brothers, Ralph and Jerry Finelli. Funeral services with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Joseph's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.nelsencares.com.

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Published by Virginia Gazette on Sep. 4, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Finelli

27 Entries

Michael Kopito

January 26, 2015

Dear Mrs. Finelli,
I am saddened to hear about Joe's passing. He was such a fine man, and a mentor and "God Father" to me. I met him while we were both on Governor's Island. We were together again at CG Headquarters where he really influenced my career and where he was instrumental in getting me to decide on Grad school and a career in Instructional Design and Education.
I often talk about the time when he came into my office, put his feet up on my desk and said "So, what are your plans Mike? Where are you going?"
Though the years pass, I shall always be grateful for having had the opportunity to serve with him, to know him, and to have enjoyed our time together.
Rest in peace Joe, and thank you!
Michael Kopito
LCDR, USCG, Ret.

November 8, 2014

Dear Liz, I just learned of Joe's passing and am very saddened by your loss. My prayers are with you. You of course know that he is not far away, but it is never the same. Mary Claire

September 14, 2014

Liz
It was with shock and sadness that we learned of Joe's passing. Our deepest sympathy on your loss and the loss to all of us who knew Joe.
Fred & Linda Smith

September 12, 2014

Liz, Sandy and I were very sorry to hear that Joe had passed away. Our prayers are with Joe. May God Bless Joe, you and your family. Tom and Sandy Samson, Williamsburg

September 11, 2014

We were so saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He was truly one of the good guys.

Dean & Linda Greenough

Lynne Bunch

September 11, 2014

I will always have fond memories of our times together. San Francisco on the hill above the bay, miraculous recoveries for both of us and finally to connect in Williamsburg, the perfect home. Joe always held a special place in Pete's and my hearts.

Fran & Jack Schmidtman

September 10, 2014

Dear Liz, Fran and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Joe's passing. After fifty-six years of treasured friendship, it is hard to accept that Joe will no longer be an active participant in our lives. Fifty-six years was just not enough. How we loved sitting in your sun room or dining room listening and talking, discussing everything that came to mind. Joe's input was always so valuable. He had a wonderful mind, a delightful sense of humor and a rare ability to influence others to examine issues from new perspectives. We will still gather and talk, but no one will take Joe's place. I know that you and the "kids" are feeling the pain of your loss - but somehow I have the feeling that Joe just might be "around" for some of you when you need him. Liz, Fran and I send our love to you and your family in this time of sadness. We hope that our love and that of many, many others will, in time, help lift you up.

September 10, 2014

my contact with Joe was relieving him at the Talampulan Lora station in the Philippines. He had run a great station and made my job easier. My condolences to the family.

Tom Whipple

Sandra Henry. Murphy

September 10, 2014

Such a great guy! Pass their family home so often as Iam still here.

Louis Casale

September 10, 2014

I loved him as a brother and treasure our time together on and off for 56 years.

Gail McCarthy Lehotsky

September 10, 2014

Desi, I am so so sorry. He was one great fellow. He will be missed.

Carl Burkhart

September 10, 2014

I will miss the wit of my comrade, with whom I loved to chatter in Italian at Academy reunions. Condolences to Liz and the family.

September 10, 2014

Dear Liz (Desi).. My heart goes out to you right now..want to send love and a huge hug..how blessed you were to have each other for such a long time...beautiful memories..blessings to you..Barb (Hudock) Neild.

MELIKET A.

September 9, 2014

I AM VERY SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVE ONE PLEASE TRUST THE GOD OF COMFORT PSALMS 83;18

Rosanne DeGose O'Neill

September 7, 2014

He was a wonderful and caring person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Remember all the good times and accept the support of family and friends.

George Mathew

September 7, 2014

I played Tennis with Joe at mccormack Nagleson Tennis center in Williamsburg.He was a gentleman and helping person.my sympathy and condolences to Joe,s family.
George Mathew

kris fox dippre brown

September 6, 2014

I never had the pleasure of meeting Joe, but heard so much about him from his wife, Liz. We all shared a Coast Guard life, and have come to settle here in Williamsburg for many years.He must have been a wonderful man. Rest in Peace, and love to the Finelli family.
Kris Fox (Dippre)Brown

Brenda Hayes (Faulkner)

September 6, 2014

I worked with CDR Finelli when he was at the Reserve Training Center Yortown. He was such a nice person and I am very sorry to see that he has passed.

September 5, 2014

Joe made a lasting mark on me - such an honorable and honest man. I am so grateful to have met him and become his friend. Thinking of you, Liz, and of Joe.

Tyler Thomson

Sharon Marcial

September 5, 2014

Joe, how we will miss you so!

We feel so blessed to have known you and honored to call you our friend. We are grateful for and will cherish forever the wonderful memories of happy times spent with you and Liz.

With love and affection,

Sharon and Curt Stoldt

Joe and Liz enjoying 2012 Italian Festival

Sharon Marcial

September 5, 2014

Our leader Joe

Sharon Marcial

September 5, 2014

Joe at our CIAO Christmas party 2008

Sharon Marcial

September 5, 2014

What a great loss for the CIAO Organization. He will be deeply missed.
Prayers and thoughts go out to Liz and the family.
Nancy & Walter Vanderhoof

September 5, 2014

Dear Liz,
Everyone who knew Joe has lost a dear and faithful friend. We will all miss him.
Love Josie & Pete Ianni

Liz and Peter Gariti

September 4, 2014

Dearest Liz: The Gariti family in our small way shares the pain and sorrow you are feeling for your beloved Joe. To us and the CIAO community at large he was a wonderful, helpful man and leader, thoughtful and hard-working, and quick to share a joke and a laugh. We miss him and you very much, and are hopeful that the prayers of your wide circle of friends will help soften your sorrow in this trying time. With love,

Liz and Peter Gariti

September 3, 2014

Joe, I will miss you. You were a second father to me...Tony Agati

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