Obituary of Kenneth M. Finn

Kenneth M. Finn, 81, of Freehold Township, NJ passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, July 7, 2018. Born in New York City, the son of the late George and Eileen Finn, he was raised in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland.  Kenny returned to the United States in 1958 and lived in NY before settling in Freehold Township in 1973 where he raised six children, two of whom were his niece and nephew. Kenny possessed a gentle warmth that drew people to him, and his tales were more captivating due to his beautiful Irish brogue.

His life’s journey was one of distinction and accomplishment with many stops along the way.  Poppy, as he was known, worked for Trans World Airlines for 32 years retiring in 1999.  Following his retirement, he began working at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home in 2001 where he was an assistant and remained an integral part of our team and family until the time of his passing.   Ken was a communicant of the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine where he was an usher for many years. 

Some of his athletic accomplishments included being captain of the Irish 18U youth team in 1955, winning the FAI Cup Medal in 1958 playing for Dundalk FC.  He also played for the US National team in the Soccer World Cup qualifiers from 1960 to 1962.  He won two New York GAA Championships, one in 1964, and again in 1967, a feat he shared with his brothers, Rory and Dermot.  He also played soccer with the German Hungarians for eighteen years retiring at the age of 40. 

Many of the Township residents knew Mr. Finn as a coach for boys and girls soccer in Freehold Rec and travel teams where he worked tirelessly as a volunteer.   He was a referee and committee member for Freehold Soccer League.  He also took the Freehold Falcons boys team to England in 1980.  One of his proudest moments as a coach was winning the State Cup and representing the State of New Jersey in the Regionals in 1983.  Countless players who played under him went on to play in college.

Poppy was a fan of the Willie Lynch Band, and a regular at Edgar’s (Reef & Barrel) where he could be found set-dancing any night of the week.

His greatest accomplishment was the family he and his wife, Philomena raised, and his pride for his children and grandchildren was evident as he shared stories of their success. 

A friend to all, Kenny was an amazing man whose presence made the world a better place and he leaves behind an entire community who will miss him dearly.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Philomena on August 25, 2014.  He is survived by two daughters, Roisin Burford and her husband, Jan, and Maureen Finn; two sons, Kevin Finn and his wife, Jeanne, and Kenny Finn and his wife, Karen; thirteen grandchildren, Erin, Lauren, Tommy, Kieran, Ryan, Patrick, Brian, Kathleen, Kenneth, Kyle, Kevin, Christopher and Connor; his brother, Rory Finn and his wife, Karen; and sister-in-law, Maureen Finn-Patterson; dear friend, Kathleen Derella; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 10:00 AM Funeral Mass on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township.  Interment will follow in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery, 299 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Freehold Township.  In memory of this remarkable man, contributions can be made to ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005 or Team Lynch Syndrome, 109 State Street, Suite 204, Boston, MA 02109 for the Dana Farber Fund.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com