June 10, 2026 - Gerry Finfinger, the well-known and highly respected coal mining researcher, has died. Gerry was a true gentleman with a great sense of humor and was responsible for many advancements in roof control technology including the establishment of the Annual Ground Control Conference. His research at NIOSH was respected around the world.

Gerald Lee (Fin) Finfinger (1951-2026) worked for the federal government as a leading Mining Engineer (but please don’t hold that against him as he was not a fan of big government and had wanted to be a park ranger until he learned how little it paid).

Gerald Lee (Fin) Finfinger

He enjoyed many things including golfing, fishing, and giving advice to the television on how the Pittsburgh Steelers could better coach the team.

Gerry is survived by his “patient” wife of 52 years, Diane, who was his high school sweetheart, his creative and overly-emotional daughter, Lee Anne, and his son-in-law Paul Wetzel who turned out to be great even though he was born in San Francisco.

In lieu of flowers, he would probably want you to buy a scratch off lottery ticket and donate between $20 and $100 to your local animal shelter.

Donations can be made to Englewood Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS). Contributions can be given online at earsanimalrescue.comto support their mission of caring for animals in need.