Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Family Mourns Queens Real Estate Executive Killed in Amtrak Crash

By Aidan Gardiner | May 15, 2015 9:01am | Updated on May 18, 2015 8:55am
 Laura Finamore, 47,
Laura Finamore, 47, "had a smile that could light up a room," family said.
View Full Caption
Facebook/laura.finamore.94

QUEENS — A Douglaston native and longtime real estate worker was remembered as a caring family woman with an infectious laugh after she was killed Tuesday night in the Amtrak crash in Philadelphia, relatives said.

Laura Finamore, 47, was one of 238 passengers aboard Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 188 heading from Washington to New York about 9:30 p.m. when it hit a curve going more than 100 mph and derailed, killing eight people and injuring more than 200, according to relatives and reports.

The dead included a dean at Medgar Evers college, a Navy midshipman from Rockaway Beach, a Manhattan tech executive and Finamore, whose relatives said they were "profoundly saddened" by her sudden death.

"Laura was an incredibly loving and giving person, touching many people each and every day through her generous spirit, thoughtfulness and compassion for others," they said.

"She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her."

She is survived by her parents, Cynthia and Richard, and brothers, Michael, Paul and Peter, with whom she grew up with in Douglaston, Queens, relatives said.

"It was her loving dedication and loyalty to her family and friends which truly defined her as a person," the family said.

"Most telling about her commitment to the people in her life were the strong bonds that she kept with her childhood friends, many of whom she had known since elementary school," they added.

She graduated Benjamin Cardozo High School and went on to earn a literature B.A. from George Washington University, family said.

She eventually got a job in corporate real estate, a field she excelled in for two decades, most recently joining Cushman & Wakefield in 2008, family said.

"Her colleagues and clients considered Laura a friend, and were tremendously honored to know her and work alongside her," family said.

"Laura was a tenacious deal maker and competitor who never backed down from what she thought was right. Her clients and colleagues always knew that their best interests were the foundation for her professional focus," they added.

She was also remembered as a doting aunt to her seven nieces and nephews.

"Laura's smile could light up a room and her infectious laughter will be remembered by many for years to come," relatives said.

"She was always there when you needed her — with a hug, encouraging words or a pat on the back," they added.

Her funeral will be held at Fairchild Sons Inc. in Manhasset, the family said.