Update: 4/25/19 – Don’t miss the “Memorial Photo Video.”
Update: 4/19/19 -Turned on comments. comments on bottom of gallery.
Jenarie “Jerry” A. Finelli, 90, of Harrisville, passed away April 18, 2019 at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, MA. He was the husband of Shirley T. (Ventre) Finelli, whom he married August 14, 1954. Born in Watervliet, NY, he was the son of the late Henry and Antoinette (Negri) Finelli.
St. Anthony’s ~ Woonsocket, RI
Mr. Finelli co-owned and operated P.A. Cleaners in Worcester, MA with his brother Vincent Finelli for 39 years. He proudly served as a Sergeant in the 2nd armored division Army, serving 2 years in Germany during the Korean conflict. He dedicated many years of his life to St. Theresa’s Church, as a member of the finance committee, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Co-Chair with his wife Shirley of St. Theresa’s Shrine for 26 years, and President of the Men’s Guild. He was also President of the Holy Name Society of St. Anthony’s. Jenarie devoted much of his time to the Holy Ghost Church in Tiverton, assisting in the start of Lenten fish and chips.
He was Chairman of various local organizations including the Nasonville Fire Department operating committee for 14 years, and the board of directors of the Wallum Lake Rod and Gun Club for 6 years. His other memberships included the Rifle and Pistol Team of Wallum Lake, Waushakum Live Steamers of Holliston, MA, and the St. Joseph’s Senior Citizen Group of Pascoag.
Besides his wife Shirley, he is survived by their son, Fr. Jay Anthony Finelli, pastor of Holy Ghost Church in Tiverton, RI, as well as his brother, Henry Finelli of Lincoln Park, NJ. He was the brother of the late Vincent Finelli, Carmelia Bernardi, and Angelina Mansolillo.
A Solemn Requiem Mass will be held Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 10 AM in St. Theresa’s Church, 35 Dion Drive, Nasonville, RI. The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 8:30 AM. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the parish cemetery (end of Ledoux Dr.). Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-8 PM in St. Theresa’s Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St. Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Ghost Church, 311 Hooper Street, Tiverton, RI. For a gallery of pictures and to leave condolences, visit www.Finelli.us
*Clergy are invited to assist at the Requiem Mass in choir with cassock and surplice, black stole for reception of Holy Communion. Biretta optional.
I will have some updates to the gallery by Wednesday of next week. (Slowly filling in dates, people and places.)
Marlene (Ventre) Gould, Jerry Finelli, Shirley (Ventre) Finelli, Ann (Ventre Gatta, Thomas Ventre, Jennie (Taglianetti)Ventre, Richard Ventre. 
Fr. Andrew Farina – St. Anthony’s Woonsocket – August 14, 1954 
Wedding at St. Anthony’s Woonsocket, RI – August 14, 1954 
Wedding Day 
Ann (Ventre) Gatta, Shirley(Ventre) Finelli, Jerry Finelli, Vincent Finelli 
Jennie (Taglianetti) Ventre, Shirley (Ventre) Finelli, Jerry Finelli at bride’s family home 110 Warwick St. Woonsocket, RI 
Shirley & Jerry Finelli on wedding day 
Jerry & Shirley Finelli 
Henry Finelli, Antoinette (Negri) Finelli, Shirley & Jerry Finelli 
1st Communion at St. Anthony’s Church Woonsocket, RI in May 1969 
1st Communion Party 
Henry & Antoinette Finelli’s 50th Anniversary 
Luigi Mario Cardinal Ciappi’s visit in 1977 
Jerry, Hank, and Vincent Finelli – the three brothers 
Shirley Finelli, Jennie Ventre, Bishop Gelineau, Antoinette Finelli, Fr. Jay Finelli, Jerry Finelli – Party following diaconate ordination – June 1, 1991 
Priestly ordination – June 13, 1992 – with Bishop Gelineau 
A visit to Pennsylvania Dutch – the Caboose Hotel 
50th Anniversary Celebration – with Sr. Grace – August 10, 2014 
50th Anniversary Celebration – with Fr. Jerry Caron – August 10, 2014 
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Jigger’s Diner East Greenwich, RI – June 13, 2017 
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St. Theresa’s Feast Day – August 17, 2018 
With Ron & Nancy Faford in Medugorje 2007 
Medugorje pilgrimage 
Mickey begin for a scratch or a treat 
Mickey getting his shaved carrots 
Mickey love to climb into dad’s lap for a nap 
Following Fr. Nick Fleming’s Confirmation at Holy Ghost May 18, 2005 
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Al Pasetto Di Borgo – Da Roberto – September 28, 2005 
Leaving hotel in Rome – September 29, 2005 
St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome 
Jerry was Station Master at Washakum Live Steamers annual meet for many years. Strongly resisted anyone taking his job. 
Station Master slacking on the job. 
Group photo following Sunday Mass at Waushakum Live Steamers annual meet 
Holy Ghost Fish Fry – March 7, 2014 
Honored at St. Theresa’s Church & Shrine for over 26 years of dedicated service – June 2, 2018 
Honored at St. Theresa’s Church & Shrine for over 26 years of dedicated service – June 2, 2018 
with Cindy Manning, parish secretary – June 2, 2018 
Fr. Jay Finelli’s 25th Anniversary Celebration – June 11, 2017 
Fr. Jay Finelli’s 25th Anniversary Celebration – June 11, 2017 
Caricature by Rich Parsons from Holy Ghost Harvest Festival – 1917 
Dad’s favorite meal – August 22, 2016 
Georgie keeping watch over dad 
Rebuilding turntable on Nasonville Valley Railroad – July 8, 2018 
One of dad’s last pics – feeding Georgie an orange – March 3, 2019 
Leaving for their honeymoon
A life well lived
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family photos.
My condolences to you and all your loved ones.
May he rest in peace.
Dear Fr. Finelli
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father on Holy Thursday.
What a blessed day to go home.
I remember Holy Ghost parish with gratitude for all the wonderful graces and blessings.
Dear Antoinette,
So nice to hear from you. I pray you are well.
God bless,
Fr. Finelli
Beauty life…! Beauty obituary… Beauty memories… Praise God… Hail Mary…
Our condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your photos
Dear Jay and Mrs. Finelli, my heart and prayers are with you at this difficult time. What an amazing life…well lived by your Father and Husband. May he continue to be a light for you. And may our beautiful Lord give you full comfort until you see him again. God love you and your whole family! Thank you for sharing all the pics and his wonderful story!