Obituary of John P. Finster

John P. Finster, 93, of Lee Center, ended his journey with us peacefully on October 9, 2021, in the comfort of his home.

The last of his siblings to bid farewell, he was one of 12 children born to Walter C & Izetta Kobler Finster on May 4, 1929.  John was united in marriage to Marion E Sutter on May 16, 1959 at the Camden Methodist Church.  A loving marriage of 54 years.  He formerly worked for Oneida County Reforestration and retired as a Gun Smith from LeFever Arms in Lee Center.

John took pride in taking meticulous care of his home both inside and out.  He loved family get togethers, playing cards, dancing, visiting and telling stories.  His mind was a steel trap as he could tell you a story from 75 years ago up to things that happened recently.  He enjoyed listening to all his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews endeavors and has every newspaper article that any of their names were in. There was always a smile on his face, a kind word to all he met, and a willingness to help in any way he could. 

He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Carol Finster of Lee Center, and Vie Finster of Rome; a brother-in-law, Thomas Alder, of Rome; three nieces who have cared for him over the years, Debbie Finster, Jaime Secor, Paula Burns, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  In addition, he is survived by special neighbors, Jason, Amanda and Wyatt Grimm; along with many friends. Besides being predeceased by his parent, are six sisters Izetta Thomas, Frances (Gerald) Sharpe, Virginia (Gin) Prosser, Luella (Harold) Van Wagenen, Emily Alder, and Pauline Koster; five brothers, Charles (Ruby), Walter, Fred, Paul, and Donald; and his sisters and brothers in law, Flora Hurlbut, Lucille Eychner, Ethel Tanner, Irene LaLonde, and George and Arthur Sutter.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Hospice for their care and compassion shown to John in his final days.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, at 1 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 11 AM to 1 PM prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lee Center Fire Department and/or the Rome VFW.

John leaves us with: “If you need anything call me.”