Biography: Edmund L. “Ned” Finley, Jr., 95, Tilden Street, Oneida, died Sunday evening, May 21, 2023, at Oneida Healthcare, in the comfort of his loving family.
Born in Oneida, on April 30, 1928, he was the son of Dr. Edmund L. Finley, Sr. and Irene Dunn Finley.  A lifelong resident of Oneida, Ned was a graduate of the Manlius School and St. Bonaventure University. He married Ann Lois Finster on July 21, 1951.
Ned taught Social Studies at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School for 34 years, retiring in 1990.  He was fondly remembered by former students who often stopped him to share a laugh and say hello. He was also employed at Vernon Downs for 40 years.  He was a communicant of the Spirit of Hope Catholic Community, attending St. Mary’s of the Lake in Sylvan Beach and was a faithful participant in weekly Adoration at St Joseph’s in Oneida. He was a lifetime member of the Oneida Elks, Lodge #767, where he was active in the pitch league. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, E. Bart Hanifin Council #473.
Ned had a sly sense of humor and was known to his close friends as “the Fox.” He had a very soft spot in his heart for animals of every kind but especially dogs.  He always had a pocket of Milk Bones to treat any furry beast that crossed his path. In later years, his favorite pastime was playing Keno at the casinos where he developed friendships which he greatly valued.
He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Ann Lois in November 2007 and his son Michael in August 2017.  He is survived by his son, Dr. Andrew L. (Cindy) Finley of Sherrill, New York; his son, Douglas J. (Mary) Finley of Allentown, Pennsylvania; his daughter, Christine A. (Tom Mendes) Finley of Waterbury Center, Vermont; and his daughter-in-law, Linda Finley of Ponce Inlet, Florida.  Papa Ned had eight grandchildren: Andy Jr., Allison, James and Julianne Finley, Laura (Mike) DiBenedetto and Stephen Finley, and Annie and Jillian Mendes; two great-grandchildren, Mia and Evan DiBenedetto.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Oneida Healthcare and Upstate Radiation Oncology in Oneida where he received outstanding care.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Wednesday, June 14th, 2023, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Verona Beach, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Reverend Christopher Ballard.  Interment will be made in St. John’s Cemetery, North Bay.  Friends may call at the Campbell-Dean Funeral Home, Inc., 260 Main Street, Oneida from 4-6 PM, Tuesday, June 13th, 2023. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ned Finley’s memory to Wanderers Rest Humane Association, 7138 Sutherland Drive, Canastota, NY 13032.
To leave a message of condolence, kindly visit www.campbell-dean.com.