Clayton E. Finnegan Obituary (1917 - 2011)

Clayton E. Finnegan completed the last motorcycle ride of his lifes journey on March 30, 2011 at the NH Veterans Home in Tilton. He enjoyed his 93 years to the fullest. A lifelong resident of Pittsfield, he was known for his expert watchmaker and jeweler skills. Throughout his life he could be found telling jokes at morning coffee and shaking quarters with the locals, all the while reciting his many humorous sayings. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who proudly trained his rabbit hunting dogs. Born in Pittsfield on November 29, 1917, Clayton was the only child of Edward and Eugene (Annie Bergeron) Finnegan. In his younger years, Clate logged many hours training horses, racing, and teaching riding. He graduated from Pittsfield Academy, Concord College Business School, Western Pennsylvania Horological Institute for Watchmaking, and Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston MA. Clayton became a motorcycle enthusiast at age 16. Competing in numerous field events, he collected over 170 trophies attesting to his skills in riding. In 1963 and 1965 he received the New England Motorcycle Dealers 1st Place Award for the most number of competitive points gathered within each of those years. Of all the motorcycles he owned, he was most proud of the two antique BMWs that he restored. He was a Member of the American Motorcycle Association, the New England Motorcycle Association, the Merrimack Valley Motorcycle Club, the National Retread Motorcycle Club, the BMW Vintage Motorcycle Club, and the USS Squalus #192 Memorial Organization. During WWII, Clayton served as an electrician in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945 upon the USS Sterlet (SS-392) submarine. He chaired the submarines reunion in Portsmouth in 1995. Clayton met his loving wife, Hope Cristofori of Buzzards Bay, MA at a USO dance. They were married for 62 years. For 40 years, Clayton and Hope owned and operated Finnegans Jewelry Store in Pittsfield. He received orders from all over the United States to repair antique watches, and he handmade the parts needed. Many of his original jewelry setting designs are worn by his wife, daughters, and granddaughters. In addition to Hope, the Finnegan family includes daughter Paula and husband David Dickinson of Gilford; daughter Dorothy and husband Gerald Leavitt of So. Berwick, ME; and daughter Linda and husband Timothy Freese of Gilmanton Iron Works. Grandchildren include Erin and husband Eric Capron of So. Berwick, ME; Katie and husband Christopher Marshall of Dover; Justin Leavitt of Gunnison, CO; Lindsay Freese of Celebration, FL; and Elliott Freese of Steamboat Springs, CO. Clayton has a great grand-daughter, Makenna Capron. Claytons humor, talents, life lessons, strength, and support will live on among those who loved him. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the NH Veterans Home in Tilton, or the Pittsfield Historical Society. Cemetery: A Veterans Military Burial and Graveside Service will take place at the family plot in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery on Norris Road in Pittsfield later in the spring. Service: A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes in Pittsfield, on Friday, April 8th at 11 AM. All are invited to a luncheon that will be held at the Still Oaks Funeral and Memorial Home at 1217 Suncook Valley Highway (Route 28) in Epsom following the Mass.