Henry Fineman: May 11, 1948-March 27, 2026

Henry Fineman was born on May 11, 1948 in Newport News, Virginia to Robert and Eliza Fineman (née Carter). He died on March 27, 2026 at St. Benedict’s Hospital from complications during gallbladder surgery. Mr. Fineman was preceded in death by his parents, older sister Janet Monroe (née Fineman), and wife Bridget Fineman (née Leeds). He is survived by his sons Jack (Diane) and Robert Fineman (Andrea), grandchildren Benjamin, Melissa, Peter, Jason, and Mark, and great-granddaughter Lily.

Mr. Fineman was a veteran of the Vietnam War and took a job as a postman in Lexington, Virginia after returning home. He met his wife while working a route that included her family’s residence. They married in the spring of 1973 and moved to Emerson Valley shortly after the birth of their son Jack. Mr. Fineman worked for the Emerson Valley Post Office for 38 years, retiring in 2011.

He was inducted into the Raven Club of Emerson Valley in 1988 and was chosen to succeed Muriel Bridges as Secretary in 1999. He held the position for 16 years, after which he stepped down from his duties, but remained an integral part of the club’s senior membership. He often led their excursions to Blackwood Forest, only giving up the role after having hip replacement surgery in 2012.

An avid golfer and dedicated birdwatcher, Mr. Fineman could often be seen on the links at the Emerson Valley Country Club or the trails of Blackwood Forest. In 1981, he competed in the Jefferson Cup Pro-Am Tournament, finishing in seventh place. Friends and family often described Mr. Fineman as “fiery” and “passionate,” while former coworker Graham Speedman called him “the worst human being I’ve ever known.”

After being admitted to the hospital on March 2nd, he fought tooth and nail to live long enough to see his great-granddaughter born. The occasion was somewhat marred by the vandalism of Mr. Fineman’s home by unknown perpetrators who spraypainted obscene symbols on his front door. Prior to being taken to the OR for surgery, he was visited by Raven Club president Miriam Rook in a private conference about club business, performing one final duty before his death.

The family of Henry Fineman has opted for a private memorial service to be held at Raven Hall on April 4th. They ask that the public respect their need to grieve in peace. Miriam Rook has requested that the Emerson Valley Sheriff’s Department provide security for the memorial to ward off any planned mischief. For more information, contact us at emersonvalleygazette@gmail.com.