John Patrick Finnigan, 81, of Woodland and formerly of Johnstown, passed away March 23, 2012, at the Clearfield Hospital.
Born Oct. 29, 1930 in Johnstown, he was a son of the late John and Charlotte (Onkst) Finnigan. Mr. Finnigan graduated from Johnstown High School Class of 1950, where was on the swim team and was a drum major for the marching band. He worked for Sani-Dairy for 15 years and later for Cambria Residential Services until his retirement in 2004.
Mr. Finnigan was a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 217 of Johnstown for 17 years and enjoyed doing historical research on the French and Indian War, particularly on Forbes Road. He authored several historical novels on Forbes Road and won numerous accolades for his research and speaking engagements.
He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Johnstown, served as a Deacon at Westmont Baptist Church and later as a Deacon at Hilltop Baptist Church both of Johnstown, and later taught Sunday School at the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church of Woodland. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hiking, fishing and genealogy. He was very devoted to his faith.
He wed the former Shirley J. Day on July 10, 1951 in Winchester, Va., who survives, along with two sons, Reed Finnigan and wife Eunice of Woodland and Scott Finnigan of Nicktown, and a daughter Charlotte Illig and husband Donald of Johnstown; three grandsons, Danile F. (Christine) Lees IV of Florance, S.C, Justin (Kat) Finnigan of Salix, and Michael (Lea) Finnigan of Hampton, Va.; four granddaughters, Shannon (Michael) Phillips of DuBois, Brandi (Kevin) Hepfer and Kimberly Finnigan both of Clearfield, and Deanne (Doug) Townshend of Lynchburg, Va.
Also surviving are 4 two step- grandsons, Mark Peters of Woodland and Joe (Tabetha) Herter of Altoona; two step grand-daughters, Dawn Peters (David Martinchek) of Woodland and Desiree Herter of Erie and three step-great- grandchildren; Sabrina Schwartz, Jaycee Martenchek and Colton Suhoney, all of Woodland.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Duane Thomas Finnigan.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., March 31 at the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church of Woodland with Pastor Sean P. Smith officiating.
The family suggests Memorial Contributions be made to the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church c/o 115 Lake Street Woodland, Pa. 16881
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.