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Robert J. Finan II passed away on September 1, 2025, from complications as a result of pulmonary fibrosis from exposure to Agent Orange when he served in Vietnam and became a 100% disabled combat veteran. He graduated from La Salle Military Academy, Oakdale, NY, and Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
In 1968, he was commissioned a 2LT in the U.S. Army, trained at Ft. Gordon, GA, and Ft. Benning, GA, and served as a Platoon Leader,532nd MP Company and as staff officer in the Provost Marshals Office, Ft. Dix, NJ. In 1969-1970, he commanded a combat unit in the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) in Vietnam. Later, he held staff and command positions in the 11th Special Forces Group (Airborne.)
Among his military decorations are two Bronze Star Medals and two Army Commendation Medals. Following military service, he had a distinguished career over four decades in Federal law enforcement beginning with his appointment as a special agent in the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office. He served in the New York and Washington Field Offices; Organized Crime Strike Force, Brooklyn, NY; Office of Congressional Affairs; Vice Presidential Protection Division; Special Investigations & Security Division; Candidate Nominee Protection Division; and retired as the Special Agent in Charge of the Special Services Division.He served as a Congressional Fellow for Senator Dennis DeConcini.
After retirement from the Secret Service, he was appointed Assistant Director, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, followed by a promotion to the Senior Executive Service as Assistant Director and eventually the Associate Director of the U.S. Marshals Service retiring in 2011. In 1996, he was awarded the Department of Navy Superior Civilian Service Award and in 2007 he received the Presidential SES Meritorious Rank Award. He was recognized by his alma mater, La Salle Military Academy, with the Civilian Service to the Nation Award in 1998 and Alumni of the Year Award in 2019. Mr. Finan was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Sheriffs Association.