Finley A. Beaton, Sr., 88, of the Presbyterian Home and formerly of Deerfield, passed away Sunday, May 16, 2010. Finley was born in Croghan, NY on October 23, 1921 the son of Alexander and Catherine (Wolff) Beaton. At St. James Church in Carthage, NY on June 28, 1947 Finley married Mary Rita Brady, a blessed union of 38 years until her passing away on May 17, 1985. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Marine Corps in Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Theatre. For many years Finley was employed with Joseph Beaton and Sons Excavating Construction Inc. and then later until his retirement the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union #545 in Syracuse. He was a member of St. Peter's Church, American Legion Post #229, American Legion Post # 231, the Marine Corps League, Utica Amateur Radio Club, and his call letters were KA2IMB, Greenfield Fish & Game Club, Summit Hunting Club of Stillwater, NY and a former member of the Sauquoit Knolls Golf Club. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing or just sitting around playing his guitar. Finley was very proud of the fact that he was the First Fire Chief of the Castorland Fire Dept. Finley is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Charles (Mike) Hart, CO and Patricia and David Billmaier, CO, a son and daughter-in-law, Finley and Sherry Beaton, Jr., Clinton, 3 grandchildren, Michael Hart, Mary Hart and Christopher Beaton, 2 step grandchildren, Joshua Rowlands and Matthew Rowlands, two sisters, Theresa Lehman, Croghan, NY and Mary Schaefer, CA and several nieces and nephews. Finley was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Beaton, and two sisters, Catherine Purcell and Frances Mucci. Mr. Beaton's funeral with military honors will be held on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 10:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica and at 11:00 at St. Peter's Church, North Utica. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to the Presbyterian Home in Finley's memory.