Patrick Finstad

Patrick William Finstad, 82, of Cincinnati, died Sunday, February 13, 2011 at St. Charles Care Center, Covington. He was a retired Court Reporter for Judge Frank M. Gusweiler at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

Mr. Finstad was a United States Army Veteran, having served as a Corporal during the Korean War. He also worked as a Scheduler of USO Tours for Bob Hope while he was in the Army.

He was formerly a Court Reporter for the United States Senate in Washington, DC. He was the official Reporter for the 1956 Democratic National Convention.

Mr. Finstad was hired to be the official Court Reporter for John F. Kennedy's 1961 inauguration. He was responsible for recording the historical transcripts for all of the day's events including speeches given, poetry recited by Robert Frost, and notes entered into record. One of his recollections of the day was that it was extremely cold and he was the only person not able to wear gloves because of his official typing duties.

He was the past President of the National Court Reporters Association and was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan.

Survivors include his companion of 20 years, Gerald F. Stewart of Covington; sister, Judy (Dick) Warner of Homestead, Florida; and countless nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald Finstad, Thomas Finstad, Ronald Finstad, Michael Finstad, and Roger Finstad; sister, Joan Good; and parents, Palmer and Lillian McDonald Finstad.

Memorials are suggested to the Cincinnati Association for the Blind, 2045 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati OH 45202-1403; National Foundation for Autism Research, P. O. Box 502177, San Diego, CA 92150; or the Reds Community Fund, Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202.