George Kenneth Finckenor, 93, of Mount Arlington, NJ, passed away on Sunday, June 23rd, 2024.

Growing up in Jersey City, NJ, George lost his father at 8 years old and learned quickly what it meant to be resourceful and grateful for the opportunities that came his way.  The younger of two children, he graduated from Saint Peter’s University with BA. After serving in Baltimore as an officer for the Army Chemical Corps, George returned to New Jersey to earn his MBA from Rutgers University.

George had a long and colorful career following the birth of technology and computing in our country.  He spent most of his career working in NYC, feeding his adventurous spirit and loving the diversity of characters, food, and culture. Later in life, George took the civil service exam and ended his career working for the State of NJ. Though not officially a police officer, his role was considered  “law enforcement”, a status that he enjoyed to the fullest!  Throughout his life, George was a fan of the arts. In his retirement, he indulged that love by taking painting, photography, and sculpture classes.

George was a prolific storyteller.  As part of the Greatest Generation, he regaled his family and friends with stories of the colorful characters of Jersey City.  He relished reminiscing about being a young man making his way in the golden age of our country – when regular guys hung out in the local bar and fun was good, clean fun. He was a competitive game player and silent, but deadly Scrabble player, spending many afternoons playing with his son and wife.  He enjoyed bridge and poker, and played decades-long games of backgammon and gin rummy with his wife of 60 years, Gloria.  He traveled the world with Gloria, visiting dozens of countries. In January 2000, at the age of 69, George traveled solo to Antarctica, fulfilling his life goal of visiting every continent on our planet.

Generous and kind, George mentored and counseled several men getting back on their feet and was always moved to give to those in need. He was a devout Catholic and lived the Christian values of kindness, generosity, empathy, and forgiveness – always assuming the best in others and supporting those around him.  George was an active community member, giving his time, energy, and knowledge to Fayson Lakes, his parish, and serving on the inaugural board of his community in Mt. Arlington.

As he aged, the greatest story George told was the marvel of his own life.  He spoke over and over about his gratitude, luck, and wonder of being a “poor kid from Jersey City” who built a life surrounded by love, blessings, and a beautiful family.  Clear on how blessed he was, he lived the last years of his life steeped in gratitude for his beautiful wife, family, home, and legacy.

George Kenneth was predeceased by his son, George Edward, and his brother, Larry. He is survived by his wife,  Gloria Finckenor; his daughters, Mary, Karen, and Christine Finckenor; his sons-in-law, David Morris and Keven McDonald; his beloved grandchildren, Teagan and James Morris; and many loving extended family and friends.

Services honoring George’s life will be conducted on Saturday, July 13th. Visitation and remembrance will be held at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main St, Succasunna, NJ 07876 from 9:00-10:30 am followed by a funeral mass at St. Therese Roman Catholic Church at 11:00 am, both in Succasunna, NJ.

If you are moved to honor George, in lieu of flowers, the Finckenor family requests that donations in his memory be made to Fountain House or the Market Street Mission.