OBITUARY

Jenarie “Jerry” A. Finelli

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HARRISVILLE — Jenarie “Jerry” A. Finelli, 90, of Harrisville, passed away April 18, 2019, at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, MA. He was the husband of Shirley T. (Ventre) Finelli, whom he married August 14, 1954. Born in Watervliet, N.Y., he was the son of the late Henry and Antoinette (Negri) Finelli.

Finelli co-owned and operated P.A. Cleaners in Worcester, MA, with his brother Vincent Finelli for 39 years. He proudly served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Armored Division, serving two years in Germany during the Korean conflict. He dedicated many years of his life to St. Theresa’s Church, as a member of the finance committee, extraordinary minister of holy Communion, co-chair with his wife Shirley of St. Theresa’s Shrine for 26 years, and president of the Men’s Guild. He was also president of the Holy Name Society of St. Anthony’s. Jenarie devoted much of his time to the Holy Ghost Church in Tiverton, assisting in the start of Lenten fish and chips.

He was chairman of various local organizations including the Nasonville Fire Department operating committee for 14 years, and the board of directors of the Wallum Lake Rod and Gun Club for six years. His other memberships included the Rifle and Pistol Team of Wallum Lake; Waushakum Live Steamers of Holliston, MA; and the St. Joseph’s Senior Citizen Group of Pascoag.

Besides his wife Shirley, he is survived by their son, Father Jay Anthony Finelli, pastor of Holy Ghost Church in Tiverton, as well as his brother, Henry Finelli of Lincoln Park, N.J. He was the brother of the late Vincent Finelli, Carmelia Bernardi and Angelina Mansolillo.

A Solemn Requiem Mass will be held Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m., in St. Theresa’s Church, 35 Dion Drive, Nasonville. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the parish cemetery (end of Ledoux Drive). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Ghost Church, 311 Hooper Street, Tiverton, R.I.