James F. Finn

James Francis Finn was born in the Bronx on May 8, 1945 to the late Thomas and Helen (nee Murphy) Finn. He truly loved his childhood and would often tell stories about sitting outside on the front stoop and the shenanigans he and his friends would get into in their youth.

After a short stint in high school, which he decided wasn’t for him, Jim went to the Police Academy and became a New York City Transit policeman. He always knew that service to others was part of his life’s mission, but it wasn’t until he decided to leave the NYPD and join the New York City Fire Department that Jim found his lifelong career and his brotherhood. He would spend almost 4 decades serving in different roles within the FDNY and retire as a Lieutenant in 2002. His life of service extended beyond his career. In 1990 he joined the Thornwood Fire Department as a volunteer. He became the Commissioner in 1999 and later the Lay Chaplain. He was also the District Leader for the Republican Party.

As a groomsman in his friend’s wedding, Jim would be partnered with Phyllis Fabietti, who became the love of his life. Phyllis and Jim married on September 25, 1971, and settled in the Bronx, but would move to Thornwood 10 years later where they would start their family and build a wonderful life that was filled with countless friends.

When their son, Matthew arrived, they felt their family was complete, but it wasn’t until they welcomed their daughter-in-law, Megan, and their grandson, Ronan that Jim knew what his most important job was, Papa.

Jim was a relentless joke teller and a quintessential storyteller. He could “hold court” just about anywhere and have everyone interested and laughing along with him. He was a selfless man and extremely generous. He had a special connection and love for children, and it was almost impossible to see him and not have him give you a scratch-off ticket or a few bucks for your pocket.

Jim’s flare for fashion was second to none. He was always impeccably dressed, and he loved to shop. He knew the latest fashion trends and he made sure that he and Phyllis had them all.

Jim was proud of his Irish heritage, but in 1984 he declared himself an honorary Italian. He loved to shop on Arthur Avenue, and he always bought food for his friends and family. Having dinner with him at a restaurant often included him sneaking in some Italian cheese and bread he bought and passing it around the table for everyone to enjoy.

Jim was full of life and will be missed by the many people who were fortunate enough to have known him. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Phyllis, his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Megan, his grandson, Ronan and his brother, Tom. In addition, Uncle Jimmy leaves behind nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, his Risotto family and countless friends that became his family.

Family and friends are invited to Pleasant Manor Funeral Home, Inc. 575 Columbus Avenue - Thornwood, New York 10594 on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM for visitation.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for James at Holy Rosary Church in Hawthorne on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 10:30 AM.  Final committal will be held at The Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you please consider donations in James' memory to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James F. Finn, please visit our floral store.