JEROME FINKELSTEIN, 97, of New Hartford, NY passed away peacefully at Upstate University Medical Center on March 23, 2026. 

      Jerome was born October 12, 1928, in the Bronx to Lazar and Fannie Gouravich Finkelstein.  He graduated from James Monroe High School in the Bronx and went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from City College, New York City.  Jerry was drafted in 1951 into the US Army and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany during the Korean War from 1951-52.  After returning to the States, he went to NYU, finishing in 1954 with his master’s degree in psychology.  Jerry continued his education for many years, even after receiving his Master’s. He was offered an internship and left NYC to work upstate, working in Rochester for two years and then at Marcy Psychiatric Hospital and later at Utica Psychiatric Center, working in the children’s unit from 1958 until he retired in 1999.  After retirement, Jerry assisted at various public schools as a school psychologist, performing psychological assessments. Jerry was an avid fan of all movie genres and taught film courses at Utica College.  He will be remembered as a movie critic on WUTR TV and occasional movie reviewer for the Observer Dispatch.  He hosted and moderated a film program at the Whitesboro Dunham Public Library and at New Hartford Public Library.  He was an adjunct professor of psychology at Utica College, MVCC, and SUNY IT.

     Jerome was an integral part of and co-founder of the Mid-New York AIDS Coalition during the AIDS crisis.  He served as President, advocate, and counselor to AIDS patients and their families. Jerry, ever the proponent of the latest and newest technologies. was one of the founders and former president of the PC Users Club in Whitesboro. He was also a member of the Dunham Public Library Writing Group. Jerry was a lover and collector of all types of music.  From classical, opera, and jazz to Broadway, he loved them all and everything in between. His extensive collection of LPs, CDs, and DVDs was truly remarkable! Jerry loved theater from an early age. He loved telling stories about Broadway shows that he had seen through the years.  He was also a supporter of and investor in local theater organizations. He enjoyed any chance to engage in discussions regarding professional and local productions!

     Jerome was predeceased by his four older siblings, Sarah Janoff, Nellie (Nanette) Markowitz, Ethel Stieglitz, and brother Sol Finkelstein.

     Jerry is survived by several great and great-great nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed, by many, many dear friends, especially those that assisted him in maintaining his incredibly independent lifestyle to the age of 97. Also, he will be remembered by his Tuesday morning breakfast group, Monday night trivia group, his retiree friends, theater friends, and countless more. 

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on May 16th.  For information go to heintzfuneralservice.net.  Per Jerry’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

     Memorial donations may be made in memory of Jerry to a charity of your choice.

Celebration of Life Honoring Jerome Finkelstein

Saturday May 16, 2026 1:00 PM

Grace Church Auditorium

 Devereaux Street, Utica

Lunch

Jerry Trivia

Memories

Showtune Singalong

***PLEASE RSVP by May 12, 2026***

Those planning on attending please provide the following information by email to Bonnie at

BDH315@aol.com 

Subject Line: Celebration of Life

Message:

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number of people attending

Parking - Street parking on Devereaux Street with additional parking in the church parking lot and upper parking lot on Elizabeth Street (you can enter at the Elizabeth Street side entrance to the church.) Hope to see you there!