Joseph S. Finnerty

Joseph S. Finnerty, beloved husband of Catharine (Bohan) Finnerty died Friday, May 22, 2026 surrounded by the comforting love of his wife and children. Born in New Bedford to the late Hugh and Edna (Markey) Finnerty, he was a proud, life-long resident of the City and parishioner of Holy Name Church.

Joe attended New Bedford public schools, earned his Bachelor’s degree from Boston University and his Master’s degree from Bridgewater State College. He was a teacher, guidance counselor and coach for several years in the Fairhaven public school system, and later served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of New Bedford. In 1975, he was appointed to the position of Executive Director of the New Bedford Housing Authority, which became the most notable role of his professional life.

Until his retirement in 2010, Joe was entrusted with the housing care of the city’s low-income residents. He oversaw the management and modernization of thousands of public housing units and led major rehabilitation and preservation initiatives for aging public housing developments. His tenure saw the preservation of New Bedford’s housing stock during periods when the availability of safe, affordable housing was decreasing in many U.S. cities. He was committed to ensuring that low-income elderly, disabled, and working families had reliable housing in safe environments, saying, “Public housing is no different than public health. It’s no different than public transportation. It’s a vital part of an urban community.” Upon his retirement, he was recognized formally in the Congressional Record by Congressman Barney Frank, and praised for his decades of public service, administrative leadership and commitment to affordable housing for all citizens.

Joe was an active participant in Southeastern Massachusetts civic and political life. He served as the first Chairman of the Human Relations Commission, and was a founding board member involved in the establishment of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Southeastern Massachusetts University, was a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Massachusetts, and was a member of the University’s Building Authority. In recognition of his service to the University, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Joe served as President of the New Bedford Port Society and was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

His 67-year marriage to Catharine and the family they created were Joe’s proudest achievements. He was a cheerleader for all of his children and grandchildren in all of their athletic, academic, and professional pursuits. They have all been the beneficiaries of his patient mentorship and gentle advice. Survivors include his sons, Kevin J. Finnerty and his wife, Marybeth; David J. Finnerty and his wife Deborah; Sean J. Finnerty and his wife, Melina; and his daughter Deirdre Poente and her husband, Anthony, whom he considered to be his “fourth son.” Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren, Amanda L’Etoile, Victoria Hayes, Brendan Finnerty (Teresa), Colleen Finnerty, Jonathan Finnerty, Liam Finnerty, Emma Finnerty M.D., Siobhan Finnerty, Kara Finnerty, Anthony Poente III, Joseph Poente, Charlotte Finnerty and Patrick Finnerty; three great-grandchildren, Benjamin Hayes, Beatriz Finnerty and Miguel Finnerty; son in-law, Dan Goldrick, brother in-law, Hal Crapo, and sister in-law, Patricia Anderson, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his cherished daughter, Catharine Goldrick, his son in-law, Peter L’Etoile, his sisters, Mary Finnerty and Ann Crapo, and his brother in-law, Paul Anderson.

The family will receive visitors at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford on Wednesday, May 27th from 4 PM to 7 PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at on Thursday, May 28th at 10 AM. Everyone is invited to meet directly at church. A private family burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.