SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Memorial Mass burial was offered on Wednesday June 17, 2015, at St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs for Dennis (Denny) Augustine Clarke Finneran, Jr. 83, of Saratoga Springs who passed away Wednesday, at Wesley Health Care Center due to a recent illness. Mr. Finneran was born in Columbus, OH on August 6, 1931, he was the fourth son of the late Dennis Clarke Finneran and Martha Chilcote Finneran May. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Martha (Fetter), his second wife, Kathleen (Lippiello), brothers Richard (Dick), Theodore (Ted), Eugene (Gene), and his sister Mary Catherine Finneran Miller.
Denny graduated from Holy Family High School in Columbus, Ohio in 1949. He attended Ohio State University and graduated from Youngstown State University with a B.A. in 1971. After
working as Editor of the Catholic Times in Columbus, Ohio, Denny moved to Youngstown, Ohio, in 1962 to become a reporter for the Catholic Exponent. His work there both editorially and in promoting the paper was recognized with awards from the Catholic Press Association. In 1973, he was named news editor of the Catholic Exponent. He was appointed Editor and associate publisher in 1986, a post he retained until his retirement in 1996.
Denny was well known for his dedication to the Catholic Church as well as for providing accurate, balanced coverage of the Church in the Catholic press. Through it all he was known for his good will and humor. Denny was very proud of his Irish heritage which was reflected in his droll sense of humor.
He took great satisfaction in his participation in the 1965 march on Selma, Alabama for civil rights. Denny strongly believed in peaceful resolution of conflicts and equality for all men and women.
During the early 1980’s, Denny served on the National Advisory Council for the U.S. Catholic Bishops. He received the Columbus Catholic Interracial Council Saint Martin de Porres award for his editorial describing the plight of migrant workers.
Denny served from 1950-1953 during the Korean Conflict in the Air National Guard of Ohio, 166th Fighter Bomber Squadron.
While living in Saratoga Springs, Denny was involved in many different Catholic organizations and ministries including the Knights of Columbus as a 3rd Degree Knight and as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a frequent volunteer for many organizations in Saratoga including; Saratoga Springs Public Library, Arimathea Society, St. Clement’s Bereavement Support Group, and he delivered meals to the homebound at Thanksgiving.
He is survived by his loving wife, Judy (O’Connor) Finneran whom he married on December 7, 2013, sons Matthew (Jan), Clarke (Jill), and Mark (Celine Reynaud), daughters Kathleen (Charles) Rainier, Mary (Craig) Turza, and Elizabeth (Jeff) Kollar , 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The Family asks in lieu of flowers or other material tributes, donations be made to St Clement’s Church Outreach, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.tunsionfuneralhome.com.
