Reverend Michael Edward Finn, died on the 18th day of February, 2023 at Commonwealth Regional Hospital, Scranton.
Reverend Michael Edward Finn, son of the late Patrick Joseph Finn and Sally A. McLane Finn, was born in Pittston on March 1, 1950. He was a graduate of Pittston High School, attended St. Mary’s College, Kentucky, and was a graduate of the University of Scranton. Father received his seminary education from Pope Saint Pius X Seminary, Dalton, Pennsylvania and Christ the King Seminary, Olean, New York. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral of St. Peter, Scranton, on May 7, 1977 by Bishop J. Carroll McCormick, late Bishop of Scranton.
Father Finn received a summer appointment as assistant pastor pro tem at St. Ann Church, Shohola in May 1977 and in September of that year, was appointed assistant pastor at St. Matthew Church, East Stroudsburg. In September 1983, Father was appointed Assistant Pastor, Our Lady of the Snows, Clarks Summit.
Father received his first pastorate at Holy Child Church, Mansfield in July 1990. He was next appointed Pastor, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Moscow in July 1994 and served for thirteen years until his appointment as Pastor, St. Thomas More, Lake Ariel in July 2007. In July 2013, Father was appointed Pastor, St. Barbara Church, Exeter where he remained until his retirement and appointment as Pastor Emeritus in May 2022.
He was a fourth-degree member of the Pittston Knights of Columbus, Council #372.
Father also served the Diocese as Regional Coordinator of Religious Education (Monroe and Pike Counties); Deanery Coordinator for Pope Saint John Paul’s Visit in 1979; Dean of Tioga County and Dean of Dunmore deanery. Having a great love for the scriptures, Father was able to take a sabbatical and studied in the Holy Land, Father would often lead tours to the Holy Land which were well appreciated for their in-depth insights into both the Bible and the pilgrimage sites.
Father Finn is survived by siblings, Ann Teresa Engleman, Pittston; Edward Finn (Peg), Brigantine, NJ; W. Gordon Finn, Pittston; Kathleen Masulis, Pittston; and Patricia Medico (Charles), Laflin; sister-in-law of the heart, Cheryl Finn, Plains; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
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In addition to his parents, Father was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Edward Masulis and George Engleman; and a nephew, Brian Engleman.
Viewing will take place Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William Street, Pittston. A Vesper Service will be celebrated at 8:00 p.m.
A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, on Thursday, February 23 at 10:30 a.m. preceded by a viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Interment will be in St. John the Evangelist Cemetery, Pittston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA18510. Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, Pittston, Pa.
Deepest condolences from the Gush family.
Met him in September 1977 at st Matthew's in East Stroudsburg. His laughter, his smile, his concern, his compassion, his love for his Lord were beacons of joy and hope and peace and faith over the miles through these 46 years of bring blessed by him friendship. He touched so many lives. Thank you his family for sharing the gift of him with all of us and thank you Lord for sending him to so many of us in so many places. That smile and laughter is in my heart forever. Rsst in His arms, Michael, you are finally home, fr. Finn.
I am so sorry to hear of Father Finn's passing. I was one of his parishioners at St. Thomas More in Lake Ariel and accompanied him on two visits to the Holy Land. His homilies sparked interest and he made religious, sacred connections to ordinary things. He was truly a man of God, and will be missed.
Please accept my condolences and prayers at the loss of your loved one
Marypat Dessoye
I am saddened to hear about Fr. Mike’s passing.
He was such a good guy. His sense of humor and laugh just brightened the day. I will never forget our priest accompanied by his little dog Niño.
Fr. Finn was uplifting to everyone in his circle. I am so honored to have known him. He brought the history of the bible to life in his sermons. He will be missed.