Laura Finamore, Queens native who lived in Manhattan, identified as Amtrak derailment victim
Laura Finamore, 47, is seen in this family photo, prior to her death on May 12, 2015 in the derailment of Amtrak Northeast regional train 188.Family handout of Laura Finamore. The loving family of Laura Finamore, 47, is profoundly saddened by her untimely passing on May 12, 2015 in the derailment of Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 188. Credit: Family handout
One of the victims of the Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia was identified Thursday as a Manhattan resident who was an executive at a major real estate firm.
The family of Queens native Laura Finamore, 47, released a statement and said through a spokesman that they wanted privacy and did not wish to comment further.
Finamore is the seventh of eight derailment victims to be identified.
She was a senior account director at the firm of Cushman & Wakefield in Manhattan, according to the firm's website.
Finamore was born and raised in the Douglaston section of Queens, the family statement said. She attended Benjamin Cardozo High School and got her bachelor's degree in literature from George Washington University, the family said.
"Laura's smile could light up a room and her infectious laughter will be remembered by many for years to come," the family statement said. "She was always there when you needed her -- with a hug, encouraging words or a pat on the back."
A funeral service will be scheduled at the Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Manhasset, and the family asked that any gifts be directed to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her name.
She is survived by her parents, Cynthia and Richard, and brothers Michael, Paul and Peter, the statement said.
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Newsday Live Music Series: Long Island Idols Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.
