Obituary of Peter J. Finley

Dr. Peter Joseph Finley Sr. (Colonel USMCR) passed away on March 31, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. Peter was born in Germantown Hospital and was the only child of John J. Finley Jr. and Margaret F. (Dunn) Finley. The Finley's resided in the Fairmount Section of Philadelphia in the 2200 block of Myrtle Street. Peter attended Saint Francis Xavier grammar school, LaSalle College High School and LaSalle College (University) where he attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Peter additionally obtained a Master's Degree in Psychology from the College of William & Mary and his Doctorate in Educational Psychology from Temple University. Peter enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in December of 1955. He was assigned to the Second Marine Regiment and did two overseas tours, including one in 1958 which included being part of the first Marines ashore during the Lebanon Crisis in July 1958. Peter received a citation for his personal performance during that Marine landing. In December 1958, Peter was released from active duty and joined the Marine Corps reserves as a member of the 69th Rifle Company. Peter remained in the Marine Corp for another 28 years, eventually retiring at the rank of Colonel in 1987. Peter remained as a civilian contractor for the Marines for an additional 12 years, eventually fully retiring in 1998 after 43 years of service to the Marine Corps. During his service some of the citations Peter received included the Legion of Merit, Combat Action Medal and the Presidential Service Badge. Peter was instrumental in the redesigning of the Marine Correctional system, development of 12 family support service centers and the design of a program for evaluation and assignment of Marines to protect the United States Embassies all around the World and the President of the United States. The program Peter developed is still in use today within the Marine Corps for those Marines assigned to the Embassies and President. Doctor Finley was a licensed psychologist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology. During his psychology career, Pete was on the staff of The Training School of Vineland, Oakcrest High School and the John S. Helmbold Education Center which was part of the Corbin City Board of Education, where he was the Superintendent. Under Peter's leadership, the John S. Helmbold Center became the Corbin City Regional Day School and eventually the Atlantic County Special Services School District. He was additionally the internship supervisor for Temple University and LaSalle University. Along with being an adjunct professor of psychology for Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), Stockton State University, Rutgers University and LaSalle University. He was an active member of the alumni associations for Saint Francis Xavier School, LaSalle College High School, Temple University and LaSalle University. As part of the LaSalle University Alumni Association and the alumni Board of Directors, Pete carried on his father's legacy to LaSalle University, where there is still a yearly alumni award and medal given to an outstanding alumnus in the name of John J. Finley Jr. Pete was rewarded for his work on the LaSalle Board of Directors and Alumni Association by being named a recipient of the Brother Dondero award and the John J. Finley Jr. outstanding alumnus award. Pete was also a member of the Irish American Cultural Society of South Jersey. Peter married, Anne "Nancy" Ryan in November of 1958. Pete and Nancy moved to Vineland New Jersey, where they raised their 5 children; son Peter Jr. (Coleen DiPietro), daughter Kathleen (Orlando "Nick" Rivera (deceased)), daughter Anne, son Patrick and son Matthew (Leigh Ann (Walker)). He has six grandchildren; Michelle (Jon Freeman), Danielle (Danny Opperman) and Colleen; Kylie, Brennan (Alex Bossi) and Meghan. He additionally has 2 great grandchildren Erin and Morgan. Peter was lovingly cared for by Solomon Sesay for the last 8 months of his life so he could remain at home in Sea Isle. Peter and Anne moved from Vineland in retirement to Townsend Inlet (Sea Isle) NJ, in 2007 where they enjoyed traveling, going to shows and hosting family gatherings at their house. Peter was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years in March 2017. A church visitation will be held at Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at 4308 Landis Avenue Sea Isle City, NJ 08243 on Saturday April 6, 2024 from 9am - 11:30am. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 12 noon, with interment after at the Cape May Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Cape May Courthouse NJ, where Pete will be reunited with his loving wife Anne. In Lieu of flowers, Peter asked for donations to be made in his memory to Saint Francis Xavier School (641 N, 24th St., Philadelphia); LaSalle College High School, LaSalle University (Psychology Department) or the USO. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com