Obituary for Freeman T Finlaw
Freeman “Bill” T. Finlaw, 92, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2019. Just three days before his 93rd birthday, he was surrounded by loved ones as he quietly passed. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary Frances Ryan Finlaw; his children: Diane C. Strader, Edward L. Finlaw, Sr., Mary R. Heverin (Francis), Joseph F. Finlaw, Sr. (Lora); his brother Allan Finlaw (Beverly). Freeman was predeceased by his parents Frank Finlaw and Hattie Turner Finlaw and his brothers Louis Finlaw (Martha), Frankie Finlaw (Louise) and baby Norman.
Freeman was born in Canton, NJ, and was a life-long resident of Salem County. He loyally served his country as a tank operator for the U.S. Army and ultimately became a proud World War II Veteran.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing and trapping. In his youth, he also enjoyed roller skating at Riverview Beach Park. This is where he met the love of his life, Mary Ryan, who he married on April 10th, 1946. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Freeman and Mary purchased their forever home in Pennsville, NJ. Together they had four children, 19 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
During this time, Freeman had various jobs, including, but not limited to, the Pennsville-New Castle Ferry, Dupont, Mannington Mills, and the Department of Defense. Lastly, he was employed with the Pennsville Highway Department for 23 years where he remained until his retirement. After retiring, Freeman and Mary enjoyed taking cross-country road trips. Freeman loved gardening and was known for his green thumb. His home became his hobby, including his lawn and garden, and he spent a lot of time perfecting it. An avid outdoorsman, Freeman also spent his time in the meadow at the Finlaw Family Cabin. He was baptized in 1982 at Queen of Apostles Church in Pennsville, NJ, where he remained a member until they closed.
Freeman loved and was truly devoted to his family. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 11 at 11 am at St. Matthew’s R.C. Church, 901 E Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE 19804. Friends may call at the church after 10 am. Interment will be private.
302-994-9614
Delawarefuneral.com
Freeman was born in Canton, NJ, and was a life-long resident of Salem County. He loyally served his country as a tank operator for the U.S. Army and ultimately became a proud World War II Veteran.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing and trapping. In his youth, he also enjoyed roller skating at Riverview Beach Park. This is where he met the love of his life, Mary Ryan, who he married on April 10th, 1946. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Freeman and Mary purchased their forever home in Pennsville, NJ. Together they had four children, 19 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
During this time, Freeman had various jobs, including, but not limited to, the Pennsville-New Castle Ferry, Dupont, Mannington Mills, and the Department of Defense. Lastly, he was employed with the Pennsville Highway Department for 23 years where he remained until his retirement. After retiring, Freeman and Mary enjoyed taking cross-country road trips. Freeman loved gardening and was known for his green thumb. His home became his hobby, including his lawn and garden, and he spent a lot of time perfecting it. An avid outdoorsman, Freeman also spent his time in the meadow at the Finlaw Family Cabin. He was baptized in 1982 at Queen of Apostles Church in Pennsville, NJ, where he remained a member until they closed.
Freeman loved and was truly devoted to his family. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 11 at 11 am at St. Matthew’s R.C. Church, 901 E Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE 19804. Friends may call at the church after 10 am. Interment will be private.
302-994-9614
Delawarefuneral.com