Richard G. Finch

Richard G. Finch was born on December 24, 1937, in Dixon, IL. He peacefully passed away on March 14, 2024, at OSF Hospital in Rockford, IL. Richard was preceded in death by his parents G. Lavere and Alice Finch, his twin brother and sister-in-law Donald and Judy Finch and his sister Jean Ann Engelbrecht. He is survived by several nephews and nieces, Donald Finch Jr. and wife Mary, Linda Walker, Diane Kovac and husband Michael, Mary Crager, Susan Azeff and husband Philip, Paul Engelbrecht and wife Becky, Robert Engelbrecht, James Engelbrecht, Jennifer Goodman and husband Gerald. Also, Richard was very close with Robert and Lori Fanello and Thomas and Christy DeWeerdt and their families. 

Richard leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments. He graduated from Dixon High School in 1955 and went on to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1959. This paved the way for a lifetime of success and service. Richard joined the Army in 1962 and was Honorably Discharged in 1964. He came home and worked at Rockford Oil Company for most of his career as an Accountant and later Office Manager. Richard felt strongly about giving back to his community and he did so through volunteering his time and talents with Ken-Rock Community Center on the Board of Directors for seventeen years and on the Rock Cut Trail Crew. 

But Richard’s most impactful contribution however was becoming a Big Brother to many boys through the Big Brother’s organization. He took them on trips out West, taught them to water and snow ski, biking and so much about life. To Richard the connections he made weren't just about a one-time event, but it was about developing character and providing as much support as each boy needed.  Two of his former Little Brothers, Robert Fanello and Thomas DeWeerdt maintained their friendship with Richard all the way through to his last days. Richard loved going to Northern Wisconsin with the Fanello Family, riding his bike on the logging roads and taking early morning dips in the lake. He also spent his birthday and holidays with their family. Richard’s favorites ice cream and cookies were always an integral part of the festivities.

Richard was an avid bike rider earning many medals for his age group participating in Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS) bike races. He also skied in the Midwest, out West, in Canada and in Europe with the Rockford Ski Club. Richard enjoyed being involved in the Natural Land Institute events. 

Thank you to CherryVale Place Assisted Living for their wonderful care of Richard. Also, thank you to the OSF 3rd floor Medical and Palliative teams and Pastor Pam Lojewski from Heartland Hospice for their support.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 6th at Alpine Lutheran Church, 5001 Forest View Ave, Rockford, IL from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. with lunch served immediately following. 

In lieu of flowers memorials to: Natural Land Institute, 320 South Third St, Rockford, Il 61104 or www.naturalland.org.

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