Frank Finley Jr.

Dr. Francis (Frank) Leo Finley, Jr., beloved husband of the late Virginia Dunne Finley of Old Lyme and West Hartford, died on March 26th surrounded by the people he loved. He was 92 years old. Dr. Finley ran a dental practice in West Hartford for 55 years before retiring to Old Lyme. He was a past President of the New England Dental Society, a member of the Hartford Dental Society and the Ct State Dental Association. Francis served as a medical officer on submarines in the Navy during World War ll. An ardent conservationist, Dr. Finley received numerous awards for his distinguished work with the Nature Conservancy. He was also a local historian of great note and was quoted in books, newspapers and magazines. Frank enjoyed those friendships made at Hartford Golf Club, Old Lyme Country Club, and The Old Guard. Frank Finley was born on October 9, 1922 to Helen Brady Finley and Dr. Francis L Finley, Sr. He was the eldest of five siblings - James, Jean, Jack and Ann Louise, all of whom predeceased him. The Finleys were one of the founding families of the beach community Old Lyme Shores, a favorite oasis where Frank summered throughout his life. After attending Hall High, Frank followed in his father’s footsteps, graduating from Georgetown Dental School. He began his career alongside his father in Hartford before forming his own practice. Dr. Finley’s love for his work and patients inspired many a young person to take up the profession. While in the service, Frank met Virginia Dunne, a beautiful young woman who remembered seeing him strolling in his Navy whites eating an ice cream cone. When he asked her to marry him, she said “Maybe, sometime.” That time came in 1951. They were married and had two children, Francis Leo Finley lll and Liza Finley. Virginia passed away in 1988. Francis is survived by his son Lee and daughter-in-law Cindi, daughter Liza and son-in law Brian Young, his grandson Brian Corrigan and wife Alison, his other grandson, Doug Corrigan, granddaughter Anna Young and two great-grandchildren. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as special friend Cynthia Rowley. When last asked how he wanted to be remembered, Frank answered “that he loved life.” Everyone who met this hilarious, cheerful, caring man loved him in return. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 1, with the Celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, 1 McCurdy Rd. Old Lyme. Burial will be private in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Old Lyme Land Trust, P.O. Box 163 Old Lyme CT 06371 http://oldlymelandtrust.org/.

Frank Finley Jr.

October 9, 1922 - March 26, 2015