Matthew J. Fineman

Dr. Matthew J. Fineman 1940 - 2012 It was early morning in Brooklyn, New York on April 2, 1940 when Monroe and Ruth Fineman gave the world Matthew J. Fineman. Matthew grew up and remained in New York throughout his education where he obtained his doctorate in podiatric medicine. Upon graduating he became known as Dr. Matthew J. Fineman and began his lifetime of service to his fellow man. During his first marriage, Matthew discovered his true underlying passion was that of a father with the births of his son and daughter. After his first marriage ended, Matthew met the love of his life, Anita, and fathered his second son. In 1976, Matthew came down to Punta Gorda, Florida, fell in love with the harbor and the boating opportunities it presented, and decided to start a podiatric practice in Charlotte County. Many may remember the various "Foot Sea" named boats running around the harbor over the years. Matthew was the first podiatrist in Punta Gorda and only the second in Charlotte County. Over the years, Matthew provided treatment to thousands of Charlotte County residents who loved him dearly. Matthew continued treating patients until just a few months ago. Matthew also had a passion for shooting which was fueled by participating on his high school rifle team. This passion remained with him through the years drawing him the opportunity to serve as a police surgeon for the NYPD. Having no such position in Charlotte County when Matthew moved to Florida, he met with then-Sheriff Bent in 1977 and became a member of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office auxiliary unit. In 1982, he was asked to take over and run the unit. Matthew spent the next 23 years as the commander of the CCSO reserves spending many nights and his weekends patrolling the streets of Charlotte County to serve his community and keeping the County safe while running his podiatric practice during the day. Over the years under Matthew's leadership, the reserve unit grew from only a few to over 50 members. One of his greatest pleasures was to see one of his reserve deputies become hired as a full-time deputy for Charlotte County; many of whom still serve today. He later went on to join the Punta Gorda Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol auxiliary units. In late 2009, Matthew was discovered to have pancreatic cancer. The desire to live for his family caused his true inner fighter and never-give-up spirit to emerge as he battled the disease for over two-and-half years. He finally surrendered to it on his own terms after saying his goodbyes while surrounded by family in his home on July 17, 2012. Dr. Matthew J. Fineman is survived by his wife Anita, his sons Michael and David, his daughter Jody, his grandchildren Hayley, Spencer, Cooper, and Leah, and his sister Maxine. The Fineman Family would like to welcome anyone whose life he touched to gather in remembrance of Dr. Matthew J. Fineman for a memorial service which will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association Center located at 2001 Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either of the following charities in honor of Dr. Matthew J. Fineman: Lustgarten Foundation: Cure Pancreatic Cancer - www.lustgarten.org or Tidwell Hospice - www.tidewell.org.