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Community mourns
death of William Finch
HFM Board of Education member was a strong advocate for BOCES
students and programs
 Family,
friends, and colleagues are mourning the death of William F.
Finch, Sr., a 10-year member of the HFM BOCES Board of
Education. Mr. Finch passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009.
"Bill Finch's advocacy for students was a model for all board
members,” said Robert Townsend, president of HFM BOCES' Board of
Education. "His focus was always on how to improve education,
and to allow each child to reach his/her fullest potential."
Mr. Finch, of St. Johnsville, was elected to the HFM BOCES Board
of Education in 1998. He had previously served for more than 35
years on school boards of the Milford Central School and the St.
Johnsville Central School, a majority of that time as board
president.
"Mr. Finch distinguished himself in service to his home St.
Johnsville Board and the HFM BOCES community,” said HFM BOCES
District
Superintendent Geoffrey H. Davis. "He was a powerful advocate
for multiple pathways for young people to learn and strongly
supported career and technical education and co-curricular
opportunities for students, particularly interscholastic
athletics. Bill and his wife, Mary, were well known at area
gymnasiums and athletic fields."
Mr. Finch, a native of Little Falls, graduated from St.
Johnsville High School and SUNY Cobleskill. He spent 37 years as
a dairy products inspector for the state Department of
Agriculture and Markets, retiring in 1989. But his real life's
passion was devoted to the Finch family farm, working alongside
his sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons.
Mr. Finch was very active in community and social organizations
including the St. Johnsville Masonic Lodge, the Valley Shrine
Club, and the Cooperstown and Dolgeville community bands where
he played the clarinet. He was a dedicated member of his church
and the Montgomery County Farm Bureau. Mr. Finch was an avid
supporter of the St. Johnsville School music department and
contributed many musical instruments for student's use.
According to HFM BOCES Board of Education member Joseph
Sullivan, it was a pleasure to serve with Mr. Finch on the HFM
Board, and characterized him as a "down-to-earth, regular guy"
who will be missed.
"Bill was a man who truly believed in making a difference.
Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Bill quickly realized
that their lives were enriched by his presence," Mr. Townsend
said. "He will be missed by so many and his passing is truly a
loss for our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s
family at this very difficult time."
Family, friends, and colleagues can to pay their respects during calling
hours from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Enea
Family Funeral Home, 9 Center Street, St. Johnsville. The
funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 2, at the
United Methodist Church, Main Street, St. Johnsville. In lieu of
flowers, the family is requesting donations to the St.
Johnsville Masonic Lodge #611. |
