The Queen of Peace High School community continues to mourn the loss of Tim Finnerty, Class of 1986, in the September 11th attacks. Born and raised in Rutherford, Tim is remembered by teachers and classmates as warm, generous, and motivated. While Tim was a strong student, he made his most lasting impressions outside the classroom as a friend, athlete, and all-around great guy. On the basketball court, he played on the QP Varsity squad before playing for Scranton University's 1988 NCAA Division III semifinal team. In his love of basketball, however, people could discern a more profound quality of Tim's -- an ability to make personal connections with people.
One afternoon during an informal pickup game, Tim befriended a rather reluctant participant and gave him some pointers to help him play better. Pete Spinelli recalls how Tim's advice encouraged him, and how he earned positions on the Freshman and JV teams. For two years the friendship blossomed as Tim visited Pete where he worked at Burger King and consoled him one summer day when his bike was stolen. Though Pete and Tim went in different directions after high school, Pete has never forgotten the impact that Tim made on him. "I keep a picture of Tim in my office now," says Pete, "and will always remember the time I spent with him and how precious life and friendships are."
Still, basketball was always on Tim's mind. After graduating from Scranton in 1990, Tim coached at Fordham University and also at Wagner College, where he earned his MBA. He eventually married his college sweetheart, Theresa, and settled in Glen Rock. He went to work for Cantor Fitzgerald and continued coaching basketball - this time for the CYO team at St. Catherine's in Glen Rock. Whether he was coaching or playing, it was easy to see Tim's true love of the sport.
Even Tim's opponents on the court admired him. One of his fiercest competitors from childhood, Jack Sullivan, became one of his closest friends. They played on rival teams in high school but were clearly on the same side the day Jack got married. Tim was with him at the altar as his Best Man.
On September 11th, Tim was at work on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center. He was one of hundreds of Cantor Fitzgerald employees who lost their lives that day. Those who knew and loved him are forever changed. His friends and family will never forget the way he enjoyed a social gathering, how he loved to dance to 70s disco songs, and how he was able to make people feel special.
On November 2, 2002, the Timothy J. Finnerty Memorial Fund completed its first major project and turned a vision into a reality. With the help and support of the Mayor and town council of Rutherford, the Fund was able to completely recontruct and refurbish the basketball courts at Tamblyn Field in Rutherford. On this same day, a dedication ceremony was held opening the courts in Tim's name.
Queen of Peace High School is doing its part to honor Tim and his enduring memory. On Saturday, February 23, 2002 at the Varsity basketball game, his number was retired during a halftime ceremony. As a tribute to his outstanding example on and off the court, the number 30 will no longer be worn by any QP basketball player.
Prior to the game on December 21, 2004, the new gym floor was dedicated as the "Tim Finnerty Court". May all who play, and all who teach and learn on this court, remember Tim's love for basketball and love for life.
The Queen of Peace High School community continues to mourn the loss of Tim Finnerty, Class of 1986, in the September 11th attacks. Born and raised in Rutherford, Tim is remembered by teachers and classmates as warm, generous, and motivated. While Tim was a strong student, he made his most lasting impressions outside the classroom as a friend, athlete, and all-around great guy. On the basketball court, he played on the QP Varsity squad before playing for Scranton University's 1988 NCAA Division III semifinal team. In his love of basketball, however, people could discern a more profound quality of Tim's -- an ability to make personal connections with people.
One afternoon during an informal pickup game, Tim befriended a rather reluctant participant and gave him some pointers to help him play better. Pete Spinelli recalls how Tim's advice encouraged him, and how he earned positions on the Freshman and JV teams. For two years the friendship blossomed as Tim visited Pete where he worked at Burger King and consoled him one summer day when his bike was stolen. Though Pete and Tim went in different directions after high school, Pete has never forgotten the impact that Tim made on him. "I keep a picture of Tim in my office now," says Pete, "and will always remember the time I spent with him and how precious life and friendships are."
Still, basketball was always on Tim's mind. After graduating from Scranton in 1990, Tim coached at Fordham University and also at Wagner College, where he earned his MBA. He eventually married his college sweetheart, Theresa, and settled in Glen Rock. He went to work for Cantor Fitzgerald and continued coaching basketball - this time for the CYO team at St. Catherine's in Glen Rock. Whether he was coaching or playing, it was easy to see Tim's true love of the sport.
Even Tim's opponents on the court admired him. One of his fiercest competitors from childhood, Jack Sullivan, became one of his closest friends. They played on rival teams in high school but were clearly on the same side the day Jack got married. Tim was with him at the altar as his Best Man.
On September 11th, Tim was at work on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center. He was one of hundreds of Cantor Fitzgerald employees who lost their lives that day. Those who knew and loved him are forever changed. His friends and family will never forget the way he enjoyed a social gathering, how he loved to dance to 70s disco songs, and how he was able to make people feel special.
On November 2, 2002, the Timothy J. Finnerty Memorial Fund completed its first major project and turned a vision into a reality. With the help and support of the Mayor and town council of Rutherford, the Fund was able to completely recontruct and refurbish the basketball courts at 
Queen of Peace High School is doing its part to honor Tim and his enduring memory. On Saturday, February 23, 2002 at the Varsity basketball game, his number was retired during a halftime ceremony. As a tribute to his outstanding example on and off the court, the number 30 will no longer be worn by any QP basketball player.
Prior to the game on December 21, 2004, the new gym floor was dedicated as the "Tim Finnerty Court". May all who play, and all who teach and learn on this court, remember Tim's love for basketball and love for life.
