J. Bernard Finucane

J. BERNARD FINUCANE, 87 passed away Tuesday April 20th, 2010, at Santa Marta retirement community, Olathe, Ks. Bernie was born October 6, 1922 in Kansas City, Mo., to Frank I. and Josephine (Sheehy) Finucane. Bernie’s parents and siblings, Tom, Mary Ellen, Geraldine and Bill preceded him in death.

Bernie attended Good Council Grade School, Rockhurst High School, K.C.M.O. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, class of 1944, “Notre Dame’s Finest”. Bernie served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

On August 14, 1948 Bernie married Nanette Murphy, and they began to raise their family in Kansas City, Mo. Bernie began his sales career with Barrett-Page Chemical Co., Haver–Glover, and then Pharmaseal Medical. In September 1962, Bernie and Nan moved the family to Topeka, Ks. where he went to work for Munns Medical Supply. Bernie was Vice President of Munns until June 1978. During 1974-1975, Bernie was president of the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA). August of 1978 Bernie started Finucane Enterprises Inc., a specialty medical supply distribution company. In May of 1979 Bernie and Nan moved their home and business to Leawood, Ks. From 1980-84, Bernie worked together with Pruett Medical in K.C.M.O. On July 1st 1984, Finucane Enterprises was re-opened and eventually moved to its present location in Olathe, Ks. In 1982 Bernie was presented with the American Surgical Trade Association (ASTA), “Industry Award of Distinction” honor.

Bernie enjoyed his career in sales and management, the challenges the business world presented and the opportunity to help other people. He was an inspiration to many people both inside and outside of the business world. Bernie loved the University of Notre Dame, was an avid supporter and enjoyed his many trips back to alumni functions. He enjoyed meeting and spending time with people, the love of his immediate, and extended family, and the opportunity to travel. Bernie will be missed by his family and his large circle of friends.

Bernie was preceded in death by Nan in 2002, and is survived by his children; Dennis Finucane and his wife Debbie of Leawood, Ks; M. Eileen Loehr and her husband Max of Lenexa, Ks; Pat Finucane and his wife Maxine of Bucyrus, Ks; John Finucane of Kansas City, Mo; Bill Finucane and his wife Brenda, Eudora, Ks; six grandchildren; Aimee Carson Boudreaux (Kyle); Meghan Finucane Gatoff (Brian); Eric Loehr (Amy); Andy Loehr (Suzie); Haley Finucane; and Alexis Finucane, along with 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Bernie is also survived by Joseph S. Geisel, brother-in-law, Kansas City, Mo.

Bernie married Patricia Waters in May 2003; she survives along with her children, Jeff, Dan, Andy, Leanna, Terri, Trish, Chris, Joe, and Mike.

Services will be held at the Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th, Leawood, Ks. The family will receive visitors in the church from 12:00pm – 2:00pm Monday April 26th, 2010. Mass of Christian Burial will follow immediately. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost, Kansas City, Mo., immediately following Mass. The family suggests contributions to a memorial scholarship fund in Bernie’s name to Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Rd. K.C.M.O. 64114.