Joseph C. Finnigan ’50

Joe died Aug. 14, 2012, in the Washington, D.C., area.

He graduated from Middletown Township (N.J.) High School, joined the Navy in 1943, and entered fighter-pilot training in 1944. In 1945 the Navy sent him to Princeton’s V-5 program, where he qualified for an associate’s degree. He was a member of Key and Seal.

Upon completion of V-5 in 1948, Joe had assignments in Norfolk and Washington, on the USS Oriskany, and in Newport, R.I. In 1955 he was assigned to the destroyer USS Charles J. Badger, spending 18 months as executive officer and four as commanding officer. Stints in the Middle East and the Pentagon followed before he retired in 1963.

Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at George Washington University in 1966. His post-Navy career included jobs as a systems analyst, computer applications engineer, consultant to the World Bank, project-scheduling coordinator, and consultant for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Joe loved sailing, avidly followed public affairs, and had a passion for auto safety, for which he patented a shoulder harness accessory. Despite his short time at Princeton, he remained a loyal alumnus.

His wife, Mary, whom he married in 1952, died nine years ago. Three sons survive him.