Paul “Bear” Finley, 49, of Agawam, peacefully passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019 at Baystate Medical Center. Son of Judith (Kelsey) Finley of Enfield and the late Charles Finley, he was born on August 28, 1969 and grew up in Enfield where he was a graduate of Enrico Fermi High School. He later moved to Jacksonville FL and then found his forever home in Agawam MA where he resided for the past 17 years. He worked in sales throughout his career. Bear was an animal lover, and an avid collector of baseball cards and other sports memorabilia. Saturdays were often spent at card shows all over Connecticut. He enjoyed playing golf and cribbage, and won a number of cribbage tournaments. During his four years of coaching at St Mary's Catholic High School, he helped the next generation of golfers win numerous championships.
In addition to his mother, Paul is survived by his wife, Melissa Finley his brothers, Mark Finley of Enfield and KC Finley and his wife Stephanie of Feeding Hills, MA; his sister, Dawn Smolenski and her husband Jim of Enfield; his nieces, Amanda and Allison Smolenski; his nephews, Nicholas and Owen Finley, and his beloved cats, Milo, Quinn, Max and Gizmo.
Paul’s family will receive relatives and friends on Friday May 31, 2019 from 5 to 8 pm at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield, CT 06082. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday June 1, 2019 at 10 am at St. Bernard Church, 426 Hazard Ave, Enfield, CT 06082. Please meet at the church. Burial will be private, at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Paul’s memory can be made to the Enfield Community Cat Project, P.O. Box 614, Enfield CT 06082. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.