A Sarasotan since 1999, Jerry. M. Finn, founder and executive director of the Banyan Theater Company, for the last 14 years served the Suncoast side-by-side with wife Terri through his dedication to quality programming in the summer off-season, providing much-needed cultural stimulation at a time when many stages were left vacant. Through a thoughtfully curated typically trio of shows each summer, Finn and the Banyan Theater Company ensured Sarasota lived up to its Cultural Capital moniker year-round. After 14 seasons comprising 44 productions, Finn passed Monday at the age of 83.

“Jerry was a gentleman in the true sense of the word,” said Jeffery Kin, artistic director for The Players. “He was always supportive of other arts organizations and was always genuine when we spoke, met or interacted. Our local arts scene has lost one of its true theater legends.”

Undergoing a successful hip surgery in January, Finn completed weeks of physical therapy before returning home less than two weeks ago, when an unspecified medical crisis left him comatose. Now in his absence and approaching the company’s 15th season, the Banyan Theater Company board of directors has announced the decision to disband the troupe. “It was his baby, and without Jerry there is no Banyan,” David Finn, Jerry’s son and Banyan board member, said in a statement.

“Jerry was doggedly committed to keeping professional theater alive during the traditionally quiet summer and he did a beautiful job of that,” said Greg Leaming, director of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. “He was committed to contemporary plays and had a passion for his work. Jerry was a real force in keeping the theatrical impulse alive and it’s going to be a challenge to find anyone who’s capable of mustering up that kind of drive.”

Finn is survived by his wife Terri; sons David, Lawrence and Brian; grandchildren Schuyler, Rose, Zackary and Jacob; and sister Edith Keller. A memorial service will be held this morning at 10am at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. All are welcome and, in lieu of flowers, are invited to make a donation in Finn’s honor to the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.