Fr Firmin Finn, April 16, 1928 — May 04, 2019

Firmin Finn, OFM Conv. Fr. Firmin (Eugene) Finn, OFM Conv.

was born in Hudson, NY on April 16, 1928. He died peacefully at Our Lady of the Angels Care Center, in Enfield, CT on May 4, 2019. He was son of the late Michael and Mabel (Delany) Finn.

Besides his Franciscan family, he leaves his devoted family in the Hudson Valley area. He entered St. Joseph Novitiate of the Franciscan Friars Conventual in Cohoes, NY in 1948 and professed his final vows, on August 27, 1953. He received a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America in 1955.

He was ordained to the priesthood in Albany, NY on February 5, 1955. Father Firmin’s desire upon entering the Conventual Franciscans was to become a foreign missionary. This became a reality when he was assigned to work in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil immediately after his ordination.

He taught at the seminary of Sao Luiz Gonzaga, in Rio from 1956-1958, was named Pastor of St. Francis Church in Rio and remained there from 1959 to 1969. In a July 22, 1963, the Newsweek article entitled “Heart on the Hill,” Father Firmin’s work for the poor was described in detail. A favelado (one who lives in the favela –slum) was quoted saying, “We are lucky to have frei Firmino, he can explain things so well”.

He also worked at the parishes of Sao Sebastio and St. Rita Cassia, also in the Rio area. Upon returning to the United States, Fr. Firmin worked as a chaplain at the County Jail in Albany, NY and at St. Joseph Hospital, Syracuse, NY.

Lastly, he served as a beloved chaplain at Our Lady of Hope Nursing Home, in Latham, NY. In 1995, Fr. Firmin was assigned to Our Lady of the Angels Care Center, in Enfield CT.

After some time on hospice care, Sister Death claimed him on May 4, 2019. There will be a Visitation from 6 to 7 PM at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, 1315 Enfield St., Enfield, CT 06082, on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, with a Franciscan Wake Service at 7 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, May 8 at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Friars’ Plot, St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chicopee, MA.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Franciscan Education Burse, 12300 Folly Quarter Rd. , Ellicott City, MD, 21042.

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