In Memory of Ken Fineran

 (1946-2016)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ken Fineran was active in Scouting for 57 years! As a Scout he achieved the rank of Eagle in 1962 and received the Order of the Arrow Vigil honor in 1964. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 19, Panama Canal Zone, while on duty with the US Army. In addition to his long-time service to Troop 17, he served as Commissioner for Essex Council and the Orange Mountain District. Ken received numerous awards for his contributions to Scouting, including the Silver Beaver Award (the highest award a council can bestow), the Unit Leader Award of Merit, Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, and was inducted into the Lenape Trail District’s Hall of Fame.

 

Mr. Fineran served as the Scoutmaster of Troop 17 for 36 years (from March of 1979 until September of 2015). In that time, he helped hundreds of Scouts develop into capable and respectful young men. Through his guidance 89 Scouts in Troop 17 achieved the rank of Eagle. 

 

Though he did not have children of his own, Mr. Fineran touched the lives of so many, in ways that are simply immeasurable. As a small example of the impact he has had, many of Mr. Fineran’s Eagle Scouts went on to be active in Scouting, some moving away and running their own Troops, and others coming back to support Troop 17.

 

Highlights from 57 Years in Scouting

 

Achievements as a Scout

  • Cub Scout Arrow of Light 1956
  • Eagle Scout Award (Troop 28, East Orange) 1962
  • Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor 1964

 

Achievements as a Scouter (Adult Volunteer)

  • Scoutmaster Troop 19, Panama Canal Zone 1968 - 1971
  • Scoutmaster Troop 17, Short Hills NJ 1979 - 2015
  • District Award of Merit 1981
  • Wood Badge 1984
  • Silver Beaver Award 1986
  • Council Commissioner (Essex Council BSA) 1994 - 1997
  • James E. West Fellow 1994
  • District Commissioner 2002 - 2005
  • Distinguished Commissioner (O.M.D.) 2008
  • Scoutmaster National Scout Jamboree 1985 & 2005
  • Staff - Centennial World Scout Jamboree 2007
  • Vice Chairman Program, Orange Mtns District 2005 - 2009
  • International Scouter’s Award 2009
  • Fifty-five Year BSA Veteran Recognition 2014
  • Staff - National Scout Jamboree 2010
  • National Council BSA Local Council Repr. 2011 - 2016
  • NNJC Risk Management Chair 2011 - 2016
  • NNJC Executive Board member 2011 - 2016
  • Outstanding Eagle Scout Award 2012
  • Staff - National Scout Jamboree 2013
  • Lenape Trail District Hall of Fame 2014
  • Unit Leader Award of Merit 2015

 

“Mr. Fineran has inspired me to do my best.  He has inspired me to go above and beyond. And through his example, he has inspired me to give back to the community and other causes.”

  • Ryan Cannon, Eagle Scout 2018

“As an Eagle Scout under his guidance, I have experienced first-hand how the infrastructure and well-being of our town has evolved as a result of Scoutmaster Fineran’s sacrifices and leadership focused on good citizenship and service to others.”

  • Jamie Serruto, Eagle Scout 2017

 

Scoutmaster Fineran Passes Torch to Dan Cannon

 

Scoutmaster Fineran Passes Away at Age 69

 

Fineran Way

 

 

~Prepared by Committee Chair Jim McKenna

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