David Finnell

On December 23, 2025, David E. Finnell of Emira, New York passed away at the age of 71 years, 10 months, and 2 days. He was born on February 21, 1954, also in Elmira, New York where he lived until he went to college in West Virginia. There he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science which he used while active in local and state politics in Virginia and New York.

David was known as a loving father. He easily made friends and throughout the later years of his life spent much of his time making and creating diverse and interesting friend groups. He had a deep love for swimming. He dove while he was young but continued swimming recreationally for most of his life. He had an intense interest in history, especially the American War of Independence and Naval History from the 17th and 18th centuries, which he could be found reading about frequently. David was predeceased by both his parents and his two beloved dogs, Casey and Major John Andre. He is survived by his son Colin Finnell, his daughter Lauren Finnell, and his grandson Aiden. He is also survived by his two siblings, Patti Finnell-Kamas and Kevin Finnell. David Finnell will be remembered as an intelligent man who spent his life sharing interesting stories and sharing his kindness and humor with those he cared about. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider making donations to local coffee shops and anything that hinders the Trump administration.