Obituary of R. Hugh Finn

R. Hugh Finn of Cortland passed away August 4, 2009 at St. josephs Hospital in Syracuse. He was born October 19, 1920 in Cortland, the son of Charles H. Finn Sr. and May Gibbons Finn. Hugh was married (1945) to Alberta S. Johnston of Nova Scotia for 43 years and they had three children: Mary, John, and Jane. Hugh served his country in World War II, joining the US Navy in 1942 on the USS Wakefield transport ship. He was a member of the Coast Guard Band, entertaining troops and heads of state. An avid speed skater, Hugh raced for the Navy and helped train future Olympic hopefuls on the ice..He began working as a paper carrier for the Cortland Standard in the early 1930s and graduated from Cortland High in 1938. After graduation, Hugh worked at the A&P grocery store until it burned in 1940. He then joined Tylers Cleaners and remained for the next 69 years, becoming sole proprietor in 1962. Hugh was a member of the Homer Avenue Methodist Church, serving on several boards, committees, and service groups, and enjoyed playing with the Old Timers band. He is survived by his daughter Mary (John) Reif and son John F. Finn, grandchildren Scott (Jeanette), Kristin Reif, Matthew, Kelly, and Meghan Finn, three great-grandchildren: Jeremy, Jason and Jack Reif, sisters-in-law Emily D. Finn and Elsie McDonald, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Alberta in 1988, daughter Jane in 1980, and his brother Charles H. Finn Jr. in 2001. His greatest joys in life were his family and serving at Tyler s Cleaners. A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday at the Homer Congregational Chuch with the Reverends James Ziobro and Earl W. Keirstead officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation tothe Salvation Army, 138 Main Street, or Loaves and Fishes, 13 Court Street, Cortland, NY 13045. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com To the Finns and Reifs: I am very sad for your loss. I have had the priviledge and pleasure of working with your father/grandfather for most of my professional life; over 15 years. I have always held him in high regard and enjoyed interacting with him. I will remember him with much fondness and gratitude. His quick witt and sense of humor will stand out in my mind as will his tremendous work ethic and dedication to Tyler's. Most important of all I am aware of how much he valued and was proud of his family. He was always quick to brag about his grandchildren and their accomplishments. I am grateful I had the opportunity to visit him in June and thank John, Mary and John for inviting me that evening. With much respect & fondness and in strong faith that your father/grandfather is this day in God's paradise of heaven. Matt Banazek Mary, John and families, I am very sorry to hear about Hughie. He always made me laugh and we had so much fun at your house when we were growing up. Forever memories. Terry (Coye) Palm John and Mary, I cannot imagine a time i did not pick up or drop off my dry cleaning that i wasn't greeted with a warm smile from your Dad, he was a landmark in cortland, and what a gentlemen, I always enjoyed my visits with him, I remember with great fondness how he financially made a contribution to my campaign for Coroner, I was very touched by his gesture. Men like him come along once in a lifetime and I am so grateful, his life touched mine. Bryan Riccardi We are very sorry for your loss and send you are sympathy. Mr. Finn was an exceptionally kind and generous man. For many years, he has provided dry cleaning services for Temple Brith Sholom items, and would not accept any money for this. We very much appreciate Mr. Finn's generosity Helene & Conrad Blackwell To Mr. Finn's family. I was saddened to learn of Mr, Finn's death. Having been a customer of Tyler's Cleaners since I arrived in Cortland in 1967, I feel as though I have lost a friend or even a family member. Hugh was a great gentleman and I never saw him when he didn't have a smile and a friendly, "Hi, Doc!" I'll miss him. Your family has that same gentle and friendly touch. Donna Anderson