Mark Finucane Obituary

Mark J. Finucane

November 25, 1956 -

August 31, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - Mark J. Finucane, a dedicated public servant with the Johnson City Fire Department, elite athlete and devoted husband, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, at his home in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was 68 years old.

Mark lived a life defined by service and purpose. Whether in uniform or not, he gave everything he had to the community around him. He led by example, worked hard behind the scenes and never asked for recognition, though he certainly earned and deserved it.

Bringing a special intensity to everything he did – whether it was running, working or playing golf – Mark was a self-described "grinder." He always attacked adversity with everything he had.

Born on November 25, 1956 in Buffalo, New York, Mark's dedication to excellence and talent showed early. He attended East Tennessee State University on a track and field scholarship, where he ran with the famed Irish Brigade cross country teams.

Mark was a three-time NCAA All-American and named Ohio Valley Conference Cross Country Athlete of the Year in 1977.

After college, he competed professionally for six years, running across the United States, Europe and Japan. He set a blazing personal best of 2:11:56 at the Houston Marathon in 1984, finishing third, and claimed the National 10K Road Race Championship.

His accomplishments earned him spots in multiple halls of fame, including ETSU, St. Francis High School, Greater Buffalo Sports and Western New York Running.

But Mark's most important legacy wasn't on the track - it was in the community. In 1987, he joined the Johnson City Fire Department, where he served nearly 30 years. Rising to Assistant Chief in 2004 and briefly serving as Interim Chief, he was known for his leadership, work ethic and attention to detail.

He was instrumental in improving the city's ISO fire protection rating, often staying up late at the dining room table surrounded by binders, maps and reports. He helped train the next generation, too, leading the Northeast Tennessee Regional 500-hour Basic Firefighting School and earned an Executive Fire Officer degree from the National Fire Academy.

Appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen in 2004, Mark later chaired the Tennessee Commission on Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education, helping shape fire service across the state. He also contributed to national firefighting journals and professional boards.

His service didn't stop there. Mark chaired the 2014 United Way campaign for Johnson City and Washington County, eventually leading its board. He also served on the Johnson City Golf Advisory Board, Tennessee State Fire Chiefs Association, The Johnson City Press Citizen Advisory Board and ETSU's Bio-Chemical Safety Committee. As president of Up & At 'Em, he helped organize the Turkey Trot 5K. He also served as grand jury foreman in Washington County and was a poll worker for the county election commission.

Even after retiring from the fire department, Mark stayed active. He supported families through his work with Morris-Baker Funeral Home and was a steady presence at ETSU games and local events with Axis Security. He also managed public safety at major music festivals around the country.

A true sports fan, Mark loved the Buffalo Bills and ETSU Bucs, and was often found on the golf course - where he proudly scored his second hole-in-one shortly after joining Johnson City Country Club.

He was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, serving as an usher and staying involved in parish life.

Mark and his wife Mary shared a life full of travel, laughter and love - from adventures in Alaska, continental Europe, the UK and Ireland, to beach trips with friends and family.

Through it all, Mark remained grounded. He mentored young firefighters, cheered on fellow runners and quietly supported causes close to his heart. He never looked for praise but made an unforgettable impression on everyone he met.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Rosemary McCann Finucane; brother-in-law, Keith M. Stolzenburg; and in-laws, Dr. Joseph A. and Geraldine C. LaNasa. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (LaNasa); sister, Rosanne K. Stolzenburg; niece, Anna R. Stolzenburg; nephew, Eric M. Stolzenburg; and extended family, including Geraldine (Dr. Daniel E.) Anderson, Paula (Vincent) Monaco, and Pia (Eugene P.) O'Connor. He also leaves behind a large community of friends, godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and colleagues who were lucky to know him.

A visitation honoring Chief Finucane's life and legacy will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. Visitation will resume on Friday, September 12, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, followed by a Funeral Mass promptly at 11:30 a.m., officiated by Father Dustin Collins. Interment of the cremated remains will take place in Buffalo, New York at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Mark J. Finucane Scholarship, St. Francis High School, 4129 Lake Shore Road, Hamburg, NY 14075 and Up & At 'Em, Inc., P.O. Box 44, Johnson City, TN 37605.

Memories and condolences may be shared via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Finucane family. (423) 282-1521