Obituary

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, James “Jim” I. Finnel Jr., 75, of Rochester, Pa., passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on April 21, 1951, in Rochester, PA, he was the son of the late James I. Finnell Sr. and Cleda E. Finnell-Cloughley.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Corporal. During his military service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was a lifetime member of Rochester VFW Post 128 and a member of the Rochester Turners.

Jim enjoyed traveling, remodeling projects, golfing, fishing, dancing to country music, and sharing a beer with family and friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and will be remembered for his love of life, his strong spirit, and the happiness he found in spending time with those he loved. Jim will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Jim loved spending time with his little “Buddy”, Landry, and his Peanut, Madalyn. They were the apples of his eye. “OORAH PAP PAP!”

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Cindy L. Hopkins-Finnell, his children, Shawn (Katelin) Quinn, Justin (Rebecca) Quinn, Bobbie Jo (Mike) Signorelli, and Christine (Ed Shodd) Finnell; his grandchildren, Samantha, Dakota, Shawn, Mason, Landry, Connor, Dylan, Addison, and Cora; and his great-granddaughter, Madalyn. He is also survived by his siblings, Linda (Mario) Belcufine, Kenneth (Mary Kay) Finnell, Richard (Bobbie Riccardi) Finnell, and Helen (Jim) Annichiarico; and his brother-in-law, Eric (Tricia) Hopkins.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his daughters, Betty Jo Finnell and Heather Quinn.

Jim’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Per Jim’s wishes, all services will be held privately.

Gabauer Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 1133 Penn Ave New Brighton Pa 15066, were honored to care for Jim and his family during this difficult time.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jim’s hospice nurse, Alisa Powell with 3 Tree Oaks Hospice. “She was our guiding angel.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name can be made to Beaver County Rehabilitation Center (BCRC) in honor of their Autism program, https://bcrcinc.net/donate/ or 131 Pleasant Drive 2nd Floor Aliquippa, PA 15001, or to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now or by mail.