Henry F. Finke, 73, of Utica, passed away December 25, 2006 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare after a brief illness.
He was born March 17, 1933 in Utica, the son of Henry and Jennie Hadsell Finke. Henry was a graduate of Utica Free Academy, and served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Mr. Finke was retired from the U.S. Postal Service, and had worked in Utica Post Office. He was a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Utica, and was very active in the church, having served on various committees, including the Church Council, and as an usher.
Mr. Finke coached athletics for many years, and was a member of the Mohawk Valley Umpire's Association. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Angeline Finke, Shinglehouse, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be Saturday, 10:00 a.m. at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1640 Genesee St., Utica. A reception will follow. Arrangements are in care of Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, Utica. Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1640 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502, in memory of Henry F. Finke.
Messages of Sympathy
I consider myself fortunate enough to have had Henry come to read to my Kindergarten classes at Sauquoit for the last two years. We all enjoyed his visits and getting to know such a kind and gentle man. Henry loved the children and sharing stories with them, both from books and his memory. We will miss him and will always have a special place in our hearts for him.
Posted by: Susan Elsenbeck | December 31, 2006 08:02 PM
ME AND HENRY GOT TO BE VERY GOOD FREINDS I WOULD SEE HENRY ALMSOE EER DAY BECAUSE I LIVE ON THE NEXT ST OVER FROM HIM HENRY I WILL MISS YOU BUT YOU WILL ALWAYS ME IN MY HEART
Posted by: MARK MONTANO | December 29, 2006 11:17 PM
All of us who played baseball in South Utica and Wankel remember him and mention him to this day. May he rest in peace.
Posted by: murph curry | December 28, 2006 07:24 AM
We would like to express pur sympathy on Henry's passing. He was once our son's coach . He was a very nice person.
Posted by: Pat and Terry Murphy | December 27, 2006 07:21 PM
Henry umpired my little league games in the 1955 era. I will always remember him saying '' he got you runner''. He was a very nice man. Im sure he is with God.
Posted by: robert j. holland | December 27, 2006 02:15 PM
I had the distinct pleasure of re-acquainting with Henry when my Aunt Rose Acee and mom, Fannie Tamer became residents at the Heritage Home. My Aunt used to sit at his table for dinner until her passing last month, so we always got to visit. It was quite the pleasure for her children and myself as we remembered Henry lovingly as the umpire from Wankel Ball Park when we were children. I got to visit with him December 22 and never dream he would be gone when we got back from Christmas at my sisters. He will be remembered lovingly by many young people in south Utica and he will remain in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you Henry.
Posted by: Kathi Tamer | December 27, 2006 11:17 AM
Dear Henry,
You will be greatly missed by all at church, especially the children. You have touched the lives of countless people. Know that you will live in the hearts and spirits of many forever. May you live a wonderful life in Heaven, Henry.
God Bless,
The Fagan Family
Posted by: The Fagan Family | December 27, 2006 09:39 AM