Finian Duffy, OFM

1906 – 1996

Fr. Finian Duffy, OFM, was born on Dec. 21, 1906 in Cambridge, Mass. After attending St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., he was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1927, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Finian made his solemn profession in 1931 and was ordained in 1934.

After ordination, Fr. Finian attended the University of Innsbruck, Austria, where he studied theology and received his licentiate of sacred theology. Upon his return, he was assigned to Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y., where he taught religion. When World War II began, Fr. Finian enlisted in the United States Army and served as a chaplain overseas for four years.

After the war, he taught at Christ the King Seminary, Allegany, N.Y., for four years and Holy Name College, Washington, for four years. In 1960, he shifted his focus from teaching to hospital chaplaincy and parish work. Fr. Finian served as chaplain at St. Lawrence State Hospital in Ogdensburg, N.Y., and at various times, he served at St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, St. Francis Friary, Brookline, Mass., and St. Bonaventure Parish, Paterson, N.J. He eventually retired to St. Anthony’s Residence, Boston, and St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Fla.

He died on Feb. 24, 1996 at Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J. Fr. Finian was 89 years old, a professed friar for 67 years and a priest for 61 years.