Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend
BILLERICA – After a period of declining health due to cancer, Joseph T. Finnell, age 85, beloved husband of Theresa (Kopczynski) Finnell died Sunday at their home with his daughters by his side.
He was born and raised in Westfield, MA, Sept. 24, 1931 a son of the late Joseph and Louise (LeSage) Finnell. After serving in the U.S. Air Force he returned to Westfield, married, and ultimately settled in Billerica in 1963.
Mr. Finnell graduated from Westfield High, attended the University of Massachusetts – Amherst where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics and graduated at the top of his Physics Class; he received his Master of Science from Tufts University in 1966, and embarked on a long and meaningful career in engineering and computer sciences.
He was an active member of St. Theresa Church in Billerica where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and taught CCD.
Besides his wife he is survived by two daughters, Jean Clements and her husband Stephen of Chelmsford and Sandi Finnell of Billerica; one brother, Frank Finnell of NC; one sister Edna St. Jacques of TX, as well as his grandchildren Carter Clements and Sarah Miklinevich, and loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother John Finnell of CA.
A Funeral service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15th at the SWEENEY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica at 8 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Theresa Church, Billerica at 9 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday from 4 – 7 p.m. Burial in Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Theresa Church, One Grace Ave., Billerica, MA 01821 Funeral Director Dean M. Laurendeau. www.sweeneymemorialfh.com
