Robert C. Finley's Obituary
Robert C. Finley
Mr. Robert C. “Bob” Finley, 72, resident of Gainesville, FL, passed away on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at his home.
Mr. Finley was a native of Dorchester, MA, born on March 25, 1946, son of the late Walter D. and Cecile J. Finley, and was preceded in death by a brother, Dave Finley. As a child, his family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. He joined the U. S. Navy and served as a radarman aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Forrestal (CV - 59). After his time in the Navy, he moved to Gainesville, working various jobs, from driving an ambulance to working as a hospital orderly, until he began a long career as a letter carrier for the U. S. Post Office, a job he held until his retirement in 2009. Mr. Finley was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, served as a eucharistic minister and crafted handmade rosaries that were sent as a mission for people all over the world. He was a blood donor, having donated over 30 gallons. Mr. Finley proudly authored 4 children’s adventure books.
He is survived by his children, Robert G. Finley (Sarah) of South Carolina, and Christina Finley (Denny) of Williston; grandchildren, Stephen (Shana), Frances (Ryan), Kaitlyn, David (Shelby), and Kenneth; great grandchildren, Macy, Kaidyn and Jaxon.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 500 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, with Fr. Lawrence Peck as celebrant. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 17, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street. Burial will be Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick School, 550 NE 16th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32601 on the memo line, please reference: Donations-Admissions.
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