In Memory Of
Curtis Finney
1935
2021
Curtis Finney
October 4, 1935 — October 29, 2021
Syracuse, NY- It is with much sadness that we share the news that Curtis Finney, 86, died peacefully on October 29, 2021 at St. Joseph's Hospital in the loving presence of his wife and daughter, after a valiant two year battle with post stroke complications.
Curtis was born in Sag Harbor, Long Island to parents Fannie Mae Darden Finney and John Lawrence Dewey Finney. After spending two years in the US Army as a member of the 19th Army Band, Curtis' career of choice was music education, conducting, and musical performance. He received his BS and MS Degrees at the State University of New York at Potsdam and did post graduate work at Columbia, Rutgers, Princeton, and the University of Oregon.
Through the years he has been employed by Geneseo, Mechanicville, and West Genesee School districts in New York State as Director of Vocal Music. He served 21 years as Minister of Music at University Methodist Church in Syracuse. In addition to teaching and conducting, Curtis performed locally as a professional musician on clarinet, oboe, saxophone, and piano. Professor Finney concluded his career as Assistant Professor of Music Education at Potsdam's Crane School of Music.
In retirement he lectured throughout the state for the New York State Council of the Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts.
In addition to his parents, Curtis was predeceased by his sisters, Helen Gilliam and Ursula Stephens, and his brother, Lawrence M. Finney.
He is survived to mourn his loss by his wife of 50 years, Nancy (Ryan), daughter, Dorothy Munoz (NJ), sister-in-law, Anita Hughes (TN) , three grand daughters, Rachel, Christina, and Jessica (NJ) along with numerous nieces and nephews.
At the families' request, there will be no formal viewing or services.
To leave a message of condolence for Curtis's family, or to share a special memory of Curtis, visit the guestbook below.
Curtis was born in Sag Harbor, Long Island to parents Fannie Mae Darden Finney and John Lawrence Dewey Finney. After spending two years in the US Army as a member of the 19th Army Band, Curtis' career of choice was music education, conducting, and musical performance. He received his BS and MS Degrees at the State University of New York at Potsdam and did post graduate work at Columbia, Rutgers, Princeton, and the University of Oregon.
Through the years he has been employed by Geneseo, Mechanicville, and West Genesee School districts in New York State as Director of Vocal Music. He served 21 years as Minister of Music at University Methodist Church in Syracuse. In addition to teaching and conducting, Curtis performed locally as a professional musician on clarinet, oboe, saxophone, and piano. Professor Finney concluded his career as Assistant Professor of Music Education at Potsdam's Crane School of Music.
In retirement he lectured throughout the state for the New York State Council of the Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts.
In addition to his parents, Curtis was predeceased by his sisters, Helen Gilliam and Ursula Stephens, and his brother, Lawrence M. Finney.
He is survived to mourn his loss by his wife of 50 years, Nancy (Ryan), daughter, Dorothy Munoz (NJ), sister-in-law, Anita Hughes (TN) , three grand daughters, Rachel, Christina, and Jessica (NJ) along with numerous nieces and nephews.
At the families' request, there will be no formal viewing or services.
To leave a message of condolence for Curtis's family, or to share a special memory of Curtis, visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Curtis Finney, please visit our flower store.
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