John P. Finley, 66, of West Lafayette, IN passed on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at The Springs at Lafayette nursing facility after a lengthy battle with cancer with his wife and brother by his side.
John was born in Philadelphia, PA, to the late John and Angelina (Russo) Finley. John was raised in Glenolden PA attending Philadelphia Archdiocese Parochial Schools graduating from Cardinal O’Hara High School in 1974.
A 1984 graduate of West Chester University, John obtained his B.S. in Physics then went on to receive a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1990.
Married in 1985, he is survived by his wife, Mary (Whitenite) Finley, formerly of West Chester PA, and his two beloved cats, Smokey and Ripley.
John was a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Purdue University. He served as Department Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy from 2015 – 2021.
He taught classes in Physics and Astronomy and was highly respected by his students and colleagues. He was the advisor to a number of Ph.D students who continued on to work in academe and industry.
He was a member of various professional organizations such as the American Association of Physics Teachers; American Physical Society (APS); and American Astronomical Society (AAS).
He refereed major journals and was a proposal referee for Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and NASA.
His research interests at Purdue were X-ray and gamma ray studies of compact objects. The evolution of galactic supernova remnants and their connection to cosmic rays, The nature of dark matter and the development of ground based gamma-ray astronomy. He was a member of the VERITAS (Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System) collaboration of international astronomers and astrophysicists. He was also a member of the Mu2e collaboration which consisted of an international group of physicists created by Fermilab and the Department of Energy.
John had many interests; he was an avid golfer, enjoyed cycling, playing his guitar and was a big fan of Philadelphia’s sports teams particularly the Philadelphia Eagles football team and the Phillies baseball team.
He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County and volunteered for various church activities and was a member of the Wabash River Cycle Club.
Surviving along with his wife are his siblings; Colleen Capocci (Rich Powers), Denis Finley (Ma’rie Hodges), Eric Finley (Maureen), nephews Christopher Capocci (Theresa) and Jonathan Capocci (Stefany), niece Alison Finley and nephew Matthew Finley as well as great nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Memorial contributions may be made to any animal welfare organization of your choice in John’s memory. A Celebration of Life event to be announced at a future date.