Obituary of Roger D. Finley

GOUVERNEUR – Roger D. Finley, age 71, of Gouverneur, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg. Calling hours will be at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur on Saturday, December 27, 2014 from 1:00 – 3:00 and 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Chaplain Robert Schirmer officiating. Burial will be in the East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. Roger was born on April 18, 1943 in Gouverneur to the late Franklin C. and Ora B. (Higgins) Finley. He attended the Theresa Primary School and graduated from the Indian River High School. Roger received his certification in drafting from JCC. He married Viola M. Cunningham on August 28, 1964. Mrs. Finley passed away on September 25, 2013. Roger has been the owner and operator of Gouverneur Roofing and Sheet Metal since 1977. He had previously worked with William Farley and Sanders Sheet Metal Works. Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing and making maple syrup. He was a member of the High Falls Hunting Club and former member of the St. Lawrence County Maple Producers. His survivors include four daughters, Cathy and Barry White, Cheryl and Christopher Gaw, Deana and David Shepard, Tammy Finley and John Smithers, Jr.; four sons, Ronald and Carolyn Ault, Terry and Tina Ault, Larry Sauve, Joseph Sauve; and a brother, Kevin Finley. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; his wife, Viola; a daughter, Judy Colwell; and two sisters, Lyndra Edgar and Ramona Finley. Donations in memory of Roger may be made to the Dr. Ravinder Agarwal Renal Center, 124 Ford Ave., Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.