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Date of death: 12/19/2023

Saint Meinrad Class: C 1971

John Michael Finnerty

Oct 19, 1949 — Dec 19, 2023

John Michael Finnerty, 74, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. He was born on October 19, 1949 in Terre Haute, IN to the late Thomas J. Finnerty and Helen Beatrice (Clifton) Finnerty.

He graduated from Paul Schulte High school in Terre Haute, attended Indiana State University where he was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity and was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Banking.

John began his career in banking as a teller at the First National Bank in Terre Haute. He served a number of years as a bank examiner for the State of Indiana. He stepped in as President of the bank in Sulphur Spring, IN. From there he built the bank into a three-bank group, First United Bank. Later the bank was purchased by First Merchants Bank where he continued to work as a compliance officer with the system until his retirement.

John loved the outdoors and traveled all over the US, including a month trek through Alaska. For many years he made an annual Fall trip to Glacier National Park. In the recent years he has limited his outdoor excursions to Summit Lake to see the eagles and other wildlife.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Bebe Finnerty.

Left to remember him are his brothers, Edward P. Finnerty of Iowa and Peter B. (Debbie) Finnerty of California; nieces, Jennifer (Jason) Turnbull, Kathleen (Josh) Riessen and Jessica (Mike) Monu; nephews, Brendan (Anna) and Casey (Melanie); as well as 5 great nephews.