Gerard Buckley Finneran

CAPTAIN GERARD BUCKLEY FINNERAN
U.S. Air Force Academy, Class of 1959

Gerard Buckley "Jerry" Finneran was a member of the "First Class," the historic pioneer class of 1959 that established the traditions of the United States Air Force Academy. Known for his athletic prowess, intellectual sharp-mindedness, and an adventurous spirit that took him from the athletic fields of Colorado to the financial hubs of the world, Jerry's life was defined by leadership and an uncanny ability to "see around corners."

EARLY LIFE AND PATH TO THE ACADEMY
Born on February 16, 1937, in New York City to John and Dorothy Finneran, Jerry grew up in Larchmont, NY. He was a standout multi-sport athlete at Iona Preparatory School, where he earned the distinction of being the first person to receive the Con Edison Sportsman of the Week Award in two different sports (football and diving).

His athletic talent was so immense that he received scholarship offers from over 15 colleges. However, the call to serve and the opportunity to be part of a historic new institution led him to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jerry arrived at the temporary site at Lowry Air Force Base in 1955 as part of the very first cadre of cadets.

ACADEMY LIFE AND ATHLETIC LEGACY
At the Academy, Jerry was a member of Cadet Squadron 11. He became a visible leader on the athletic fields, serving as a quarterback for the Falcon football team and competing as a vital member of the diving and baseball teams. His classmates remember him as a spirited and capable leader who balanced the rigorous new academic and military demands of the Academy with a high-level athletic schedule.

MILITARY SERVICE AND SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Upon graduation in 1959, Jerry was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. The Air Force recognized his aptitude for management, selecting him to attend the University of Michigan Graduate School of Business.

His military career took him overseas, where he served in Germany and Greece. During these assignments, he specialized in logistics and administrative management, eventually rising to the rank of Captain. His service in Europe during the height of the Cold War provided the foundation for his later success in international finance.

A TITAN OF GLOBAL FINANCE
After resigning his commission in 1964, Jerry embarked on a legendary career in banking. He joined Citibank in 1965, where he spent two decades pioneering international investment banking. His roles included:

• Opening and managing Citibank’s subsidiary in the Channel Islands.
• Establishing the Latin American Investment Bank in New York.
• Serving as Senior Vice President with worldwide responsibility for syndicated loans.

He later joined Drexel Burnham Lambert and Trust Company of the West (TCW), where he was a founding partner of TCW Worldwide. He was widely respected as a "consummate value investor" and a mentor who focused on the potential of his team.

COMMUNITY AND PERSONAL LIFE
Jerry was deeply committed to giving back, volunteering with the South Forty Corporation to help formerly incarcerated individuals find employment.

Jerry was involved in sports throughout his life, lettering in football, baseball, basketball and diving in high school. He received athletic sports scholarships to over 15 colleges. He was also the first person to receive the Con Edison Sportsman of the Week Award in two sports, football and diving. At the Air Force Academy, he was a quarterback for the football team and a member of the diving and baseball teams. As a member of the Millbrook Club for over 31 years, he enjoyed golf, tennis and paddle tennis.

Jerry passed away on December 29, 2004, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was survived by his wife of 44 years, Judy, their children Laurie and Mark, and his siblings. He was predeceased by his son, Scott.

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Years Organization / Division Role / Duty Location
1955–1959 U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet (CS-11), Quarterback & Multi-sport Athlete Colorado Springs, CO
1959–1960 Air Force / Univ. of Michigan Graduate Student (Business Administration) Ann Arbor, MI
1960–1965 United States Air Force Captain; Assignments in Germany and Greece Europe
1965–1966 Citibank Senior Vice President, European Division New York / London
1966–1972 Citibank Manager / Founder of Citibank Subsidiary Jersey, Channel Islands
1973–1982 Citibank Head of Latin American Investment Bank New York (Global Travel)
1983–1985 Citibank Head of North American Investment Bank New York, NY
1985–1990 Drexel Burnham Lambert Managing Director, Latin American Investment Banking New York, NY
1987–1990 DBL Americas Development President of the Fund ($172M Debt/Equity Fund) New York, NY
1990–2004 TCW (Trust Company of the West) Founding Partner, TCW Worldwide Opportunities New York / Greenwich