Patrick Finley, labor union leader
Patrick D. Finley, 64, of Morrisville, head of the 45,000-member Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association, died Sunday, April 10, of complications from diabetes at home.
Patrick D. Finley, 64, of Morrisville, head of the 45,000-member Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association, died Sunday, April 10, of complications from diabetes at home.
Secretary-treasurer Earl F. Hurd marked Mr. Finley's passing in a statement on the labor organization's website.
The union, which covers workers in the United States and Canada, "is better off because of Mr. Finley's vision, dedication and hard work," Hurd wrote.
Born in Philadelphia, the son of Margaret and Daniel Finley, he grew up in Levittown. He was a 1969 graduate of the former Woodrow Wilson High School and a member of St. John the Evangelist parish in Morrisville.
A cement mason by trade, Mr. Finley worked his way up through the union. He joined Local 592 in August 1979, and served as a local organizer and then as a member of the local's executive board for two years beginning in 1986.
From 1988 to 1995, Mr. Finley was the apprenticeship coordinator and the administrator of the local's pension health and welfare funds.
In May 1995, he became a deputy international representative, joining the union's staff in Washington. Later that year, he was appointed international representative, a post he held until assuming the office of secretary-treasurer.
He became the union's president on Jan. 1, 2007, and served in that role until his death.
In 1992, Mr. Finley was appointed to the board of directors of Independence Blue Cross. He also continued in that position until his death.
He received many awards, including 2015 Labor Leader of the Year from the Washington Friends of Ireland.
His favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends in Margate, N.J.
"Pat was always a friend for life," his family said in a tribute. "Anybody who met Pat loved him."
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Bobbie Runey Finley; daughters Shannon and Alicia Fjellman; two grandsons; four brothers; two sisters; and nieces and nephews. He was awaiting the expected arrival of his first granddaughter this spring.
A visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, April 15, will be at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 66 Levittown Parkway, Levittown, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial is private.
Contributions may be made to Fred's Footsteps, Box 315, Gladwyne, Pa. 19035. The foundation helps working families stay financially afloat while facing a child's illness or injury.
610-313-8102