Veteran of World War II, Korea
Published in the February 25, 2016 edition
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Martin “Marty” Finigian, Jr., of Cape Coral, Florida and formerly of Stoneham, passed away peacefully at Cape Coral Hospital on Monday, February 15, 2016, at age 88.
Born in Patterson, New Jersey on July 17, 1927, Martin was one of three children of the late Martin M. Finigian and S. Rose (Pullicino) Finigian. Raised in Melrose, he was a graduate of Melrose High School and served his country in the U.S. Army as a private during World War II and a sergeant during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Martin continued his education at Northeastern University, where he received a civil engineering degree. Mr. Finigian devoted his career to assisting with the growth of municipalities as a civil engineer for Avco in Wilmington. Mr. Finigian was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great–grandfather.
While residing in Stoneham for much of his adult life, he became a strong and active member of the community. He was a member and past master of Wyoming Lodge AF&AM in Melrose. He was a member of the Aleppo Temple Shrine, where he served on the color guard and was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters (ROJ). He was an active volunteer and avid supporter of the Shriners and a longtime, devoted member of the Green Street Baptist Church. A member of the Melrose Fish and Game Club, Marty enjoyed collecting and restoring guns, and competitive pistol shooting.
After retiring to Florida, Marty was afforded time to enjoy his passion in life, sailing. He enjoyed his membership with the Cape Coral Yacht Club and Cape Coral Sailing Club. He found great joy in spending the day sailing in and around the waters of Cape Coral. In his free time, he loved entertaining family and friends, and was a talented oil painter known for nature scenes. He was an active member of the Arraba Shrine in Ft. Myers, Florida, and the Royal Order of Jesters (ROJ). He will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends.
Marty was the beloved husband of the late Charlotte A. (Burns) Finigian and the late Mary G. “Jane” (Kelley) Finigian. He was the devoted father of Martin Finigian, III and his wife Laura; John E. Finigian; Martha “Ann” Finigian; Marjorie Mears and her husband Bob; Paula Murphy and her partner Jim Curtis; Bobby Middleton and his wife Lisa; Robin Spero and her husband Mike; Tommy Burns and his partner Susan Labe, and Sean Burns and his wife Ann Marie.
He was the loving brother of Frances DiFabio and her late husband John, and the late David Finigian of North Reading and his surviving wife Beverly. He was the cherished grandfather of Justin, Stephanie, Candace, Ryan, Matty, Keogan, Olivia, Caroline, Jennifer and Stephanie Marie. He is also survived by many great–grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Marty at his Memorial Service at the Green Street Baptist Church, 179 Green St., Melrose on Saturday, February 20. Services concluded with military honors presented by the U.S. Army.
Gifts in memory of Marty may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston MA 02114 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. To make an online tribute to Marty, please visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
