 William D.
Finan
Throughout his life, characteristic possibly of people of his
generation, Bill Finan has unobtrusively helped people when others might
have overlooked the need. He neither sought recognition nor talked about
what the had done. He met people with a smile and a welcoming word. He
remembered their names when they might have been anonymous to others.
Perhaps that's what made his visits to hospitals or nursing homes so
special.
He chose a professional career of being a teacher. The comment of one
of his former students conveys a wider message. "I hated math, but Mr.
Finan was always willing to give me the extra help I needed. We all felt
he was interested in us."
After retirement, even during those occasional times when his own
health dictated that he slow down, he chose to volunteer at the
Deaconess Glover Hospital, doing his assigned job and a little more. On
a weekly basis, he helped at the Needham Community Council. He
volunteered, and for two years taught inmates at the Norfolk County
Correctional Institution.
Few people know of his distinguished military service during World
War II. He enlisted in the navy, and became a PT boat commander in the
Pacific Theatre of Operations. In recent years he has been an active
member of the Needham Veterans of Foreign Wars Post - serving in various
capacities, including senior commander, and participating with others in
a wide number of community activities.
Like others, the focus of his life has always been his family, but
includes what is an amazingly "extended" family. As a result of his
deeds, a legend has magically grown, designed by recipients of his love
and kindness. Father Francis Garrity, pastor of St. Bartholomew's
Church, in four words, summed up the respect and admiration that exists
for Bill Finan: "A wonderful, wonderful man!"
Congratulations Bill, The Richard P. Melick Foundation is pleased to
make this presentation.
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