Thomas P. Finley

Thomas P. Finley 61 years old, 2701 Pheasant Avenue, Wausau died Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born March 7, 1946 in Milwaukee, the only child of the late Erwin "Pat" and Marie (Kaufman) Finley. Tom was a graduate of Marquette High School, Milwaukee and continued his education at Marquette University, where he earned a Juris Doctorate in 1970. He began his career as a prosecuting attorney in Racine, joining the staff of the District Attorney's Office under the late Gerald Clickner. He served as First Assistant District Attorney for eight years. He then was in private practice for three years before moving to Wausau. On August 12, 1972, he met Jean Marie Aiello at her sister, Marge's wedding. They were introduced to each other by Jean's father and began dating that evening. At that time, Jean was living in Minneapolis and dated Tom long distance for three years. They were married on May 3, 1975 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Racine. Together, Tom and Jean lived in Racine from 1975 until 1983, then moved to Wausau, where Tom became Deputy Corporation Counsel for Marathon County and was promoted to Corporation Counsel in 1996. He was very active in all organizations in which he belonged, to include, Past Exalted Ruler of Wisconsin Rapids Elk's Lodge #693, Past President of Eagles Aerie, Past President of the Breakfast Optimists and Past Governor of the Wisconsin Upper Michigan District Optimists International. Among many of Tom's interests, he enjoyed being a huge "Santa's Helper", for the children of Marathon County, children of Elks, Optimists and Eagles and also enjoyed being Santa for many private parties and friends. Tom enjoyed traveling with his wife, Jean, especially their trips to Ireland, Alaska and a cruise to the Caribbean. Spending time with his nieces and nephews "Great and Small" was a big part of his life. He loved his animals, especially his dogs, "Missy", "Porsche" and "Sam". Tom was a hard worker and dedicated to his career. Survivors include his wife Jean Marie Finley, Wausau, his father-in-law, Richard V. Aiello, Racine, his brother-in-law, James M. (Jane) Aiello, Racine; three sisters-in-law, Marjorie A. (Daniel) Korakian, Kristine K. (Robert) Weiss, both of Racine and Patricia L. Aiello, Kenosha; nine nieces and nephews, nine great nieces and nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends. He is further survived by his dog, "Taoiseach", (Prime Minister in Gaelic). Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Richard P. "Sunny Boy" Aiello and his mother-in-law, Marjorie J. Aiello. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 11, 2008 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Mort McBain will officiate. Friends may call on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the Sixth Street funeral home. There will be an Elk's Service at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.