John Peter Finn, a longtime resident of Greenwood Lake, died Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, at Westchester Medical Center. He was 76.
The son of Gerald Finn and Mary Richmond, he was born on Oct. 4, 1942, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
John graduated from Paramus High School, Class of 1960. He studied economics at Montclair State University, receiving his B.A. and later his M.A. in education.
He began teaching in 1965 at Midland Park High School, Midland Park, N.J., before taking a position at Tappan Zee High School, Blauvelt in 1971, where he taught government, social studies and Native American history until he retired in 2004.
A popular teacher who often chose classes and extra programs with the most challenging students, he was known for wearing plaid shirts, never a tie, and his “Dutchmen” hat long into retirement and until his last day.
He and his loving wife of 54 years, Joan, settled in Greenwood Lake in 1967 and raised four sons.
He ran for the Greenwood Lake School Board in 1980 seeking to address lack of special education services in the elementary school. He served continuously, winning re-election every three years until his passing. He helped steer Greenwood Lake schools through numerous challenges over the years.
He was known for his humor, wit and directness, and he emphasized loyalty and care for those less fortunate. He enjoyed the spending the summers in Roscoe near the Beaver Kill River.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, his four sons; of Greenwood Lake, John, Brian and his wife Kim, Michael and his wife Theresa, and Timothy of Vientiane, Laos. He is also survived by his sister Joyce Richmond of Toms River, N.J.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation hours will be held on Friday Sept. 13, between from 2 to 6 p.m., at the Strong Basile Funeral Home, 4 Oak St., Greenwood Lake.
Memorial contributions in John's name may be made to one of his life-long causes: The Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs Crazy Horse, SD 57730-8900, https://donate.crazyhorsememorial.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strong Basile Funeral Home (845-477-8240; or www.ocfuneralhomes.com).