Michael Thompson Finnerty

July 11, 1938 – June 22, 2026

Michael Thompson Finnerty, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, mentor, athlete, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, surrounded by his wife and three sons after a brief illness. He was 87.

Mike lived a life defined by curiosity, adventure, and reinvention. Over the course of nearly nine decades, he embraced multiple careers, lived in many communities, and touched countless lives. Whether on a tennis court, in a classroom, working in public service, or gathered with family and friends to watch sports, Mike brought enthusiasm, intelligence, humor, and heart to everything he did.

Growing up in Hamburg, New York, Mike developed a passion and talent for tennis that remained with him throughout his life. As a young man, he became a two-time Buffalo City Tennis Champion and continued competing well into his later years. He shared a love of the game with his sons and neighborhood children, and remained active in competitive age-group tennis through his 80s. His accomplishments included earning a national ranking in his age division and competing internationally, including at the Swiss Open.

Mike was a graduate of Allegheny College and had many good memories from his time there. One of his favorite stories was that in addition to playing first singles in tennis, he once filled in for a wrestling match, making him a two-sport collegiate athlete.

Mike was also proud of volunteering for the military and serving his country during the Berlin crisis. As luck would have it, he got assigned to Special Services, where he competed in Army tennis tournaments and lived alongside elite athletes, several of whom would go on to professional sports careers.

Sports were one of Mike’s lifelong passions. A devoted Buffalo Bills fan, he attended the team’s inaugural game and, remarkably, was still attending games more than fifty years later. He passed along his love of sports to his three sons, creating countless family memories watching games together. His enthusiasm knew no bounds; in his seventies, he once decided on a whim to drive eight hours by himself just to watch Syracuse basketball play in the Final Four.

At his core, Mike was a teacher and mentor who began his professional life teaching in Buffalo and Hamburg schools. Although his career took many turns, his favorite roles remained those that allowed him to guide and encourage others. As a probation officer, he was known for his compassion, wisdom, and belief in the potential of every young person he encountered. Years later, former probationers sought him out to thank him for the encouragement and understanding that helped change the course of their lives.

Mike’s gift for communication led him through careers in sales, public service, and politics. After a brief period in pharmaceutical sales, he discovered a passion for political campaigns and public policy. He worked on numerous campaigns, served for many years with the New York State Senate, and developed particular expertise in criminal justice issues through his work with the Senate Crime and Corrections Committee. His public service culminated in his appointment as a Commissioner of the New York State Parole Board. Even after retirement, Mike remained engaged, consulting and writing political speeches into his eighties. He never lost his love of spirited political discussion and could always be counted on to share his opinions, insights, and stories.

Mike and his wife Diane embraced life with an adventurous spirit. Together, they lived and built friendships in many places, including Buffalo, Hamburg, Jamestown, San Diego, Rochester, North Rose, Eden, Albany, Delmar, Thompson’s Lake, Sarasota, and ultimately Buffalo, the city that always felt most like home.

Of all his accomplishments, Mike was proudest of his family. He was an extraordinary father who filled his sons with confidence, encouragement, and the belief that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to. He rarely missed their games, coached their teams, celebrated their successes, and supported their dreams. Whether throwing a football in the backyard or playing tennis on the courts of North Rose, he made sure his children knew they were loved.

Mike was equally devoted to his grandchildren (and their spouses) who adored him for his warmth, humor, stories, and unwavering support. In his final months, he enjoyed getting to know his new great-grandson, Finn.

Mike and Diane shared a remarkable partnership over sixty years of marriage. Their love, laughter, resilience, and devotion to one another served as a lasting example to their family and friends. Together they faced life’s challenges and celebrated its joys, always with a sense of humor and deep affection.

Mike is pre-deceased by his mother Doris and father Thomas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Diane; his sons, Tom (Ron), Jim (Sharon), and Kevin (Robin); his grandchildren, Katie (Mike), Kara (Paolo), Addison, Riley, Brooke, Ben, Sarah (Jonah), and Ryon (Angie); and four spirited great-grandchildren.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he influenced, the family he cherished, and the enduring lessons he taught through his example: stay curious, keep learning, love deeply, and never stop showing up for the people who matter most.

A celebration of Mike's life and legacy will be scheduled for later this summer.