Finan, Joseph

Joseph B. Finan, born December 23, 1931 to John A. Finan and M. Catharine (Reynolds) Finan in Zanesville, graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1949. Upon graduation from The University of Notre Dame in 1953, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Formosa (Taiwan) as a member of the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) to the Nationalist Chinese Army of Chang Kai Chek. Joe began his business career in the Export Department of Columbus Coated Fabrics, subsequently purchased by Borden, Inc and retired from Borden Chemical Division 40 years later as Director of Worldwide Chemical Purchasing. A Roman Catholic and true Hispanophile, after spending time in Madrid, Spain in his 20s, Joe was active in the formation of the Cursillo Movement (Cum Christo) in Columbus in the 60’s. During his retirement and working with the late Monsignor David Sorohan, he established and grew the Hispanic community (Cristo Rey) at Christ the King Parish, including the integration of Hispanic children into what is now All Saints Academy. A longtime resident of Bexley and then Eastmoor, Joe was an active member of St. Catharine’s Parish, the old University Club, The Athletic Club of Columbus, The 41 Club and The Columbus Sierra Club.

With his office next door to St Joseph Cathedral, Joe “pinch-hit” for four decades as a lector/server at the 12 noon weekday Mass. The

last surviving of five children, he was predeceased by his brothers Patrick, Robert, Richard and his sister Margaret (Peggy) Immel. Joe is survived by his wife, Marlene of 63 years and their five children, Patrick (Janis), Memphis, TN, Margaret (Luis Cervera – deceased), Madrid, Spain, Matthew (Kathleen), Pittsburgh, PA, Leticia (Peter) Overholt, Highland Park, IL, and Amy (Craig Snedeker), Bethesda, MD. They have eight grandchildren and 15 nieces and nephews. Friends who wish may call Friday 4-7pm at the EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 E. BROAD ST. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday 10:30am at St. Catharine Church, 500 S. Gould Rd. Burial follows at Mattingly Settlement, Dresden, Ohio at 2;00pm. Friends who wish may contribute in Joe’s memory to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd., Newark, OH 43055.