Obituary of Anthony J. Finks

Anthony J. Finks was born in Rochester, NY October 5, 1936.

He died peacefully, surrounded by his family on May 15th 2026 in Rochester, NY aged 89.

He was predeceased by his parents Perry D. and Frances (Gillard) Finks and siblings P. David Finks, Theresa Klem, Elizabeth Thornton and Marie Schopp.

Survived by his wife of 56 years Kathie, his daughters Karin and Julie (Bob Klock), grandsons Elias and Milo Ames, siblings Margaret Miller and Gerard (Judy Rinebold) Finks, step-sisters Margaret Boehme and Jennifer (Jim) Exton, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Educated at St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary and later St. Bonaventure where he received a BA in Philosophy (1962), he lived for a number of years in New York City and delighted in guiding his wife and daughters on adventures there after returning to Rochester to live.

He was called to service throughout his life and found the perfect job for that call when he began work at NTID at RIT in 1974. He took a position in the fledgling National Center of Employment of the Deaf as an Employment Opportunities Specialist. He placed deaf students in summer co-op work which led to employment in their technical field after graduation. He was a counselor and guide to hundreds of students, teaching them how to build resumes and present themselves to prospective employers. He retired after 25 years to take care of his beloved wife when a medical condition necessitated support.

He was a kind and patient man, who modeled empathy, curiosity and quiet strength to everyone he met. He celebrated his family’s happiness, comforted us in times of sadness, always listening and advising from his heart.

A man of faith, he never gave up on the New York Yankees, even during the 1980’s.

He was a fixture at his grandsons’ sporting events and a regular lector at Mass.

He loved music of all genres and always cleaned the house with the stereo at full volume.

A private celebration of life will be planned by the family at a later date.