Robert J. Finley
Robert J. Finley of Richboro, Pa., died peacefully on Monday evening May 2nd at his home. He was 82.
Bob was born in the late hours of New Year’s Eve in 1939, no doubt to begin his life and the new year with a clean calendar page ready to be filled out for the life ahead of him. He grew up in North Philadelphia in the shadows of Shibe Park and would regale his family and friends with stories about his adventures running from the security guards, chatting with players as they left the park and hustling to sell parking spots on the side streets surrounding the park.
Then came the day that he said changed his world – it was a Sunday, the second week of July 1960 when he went to a mountain resort name Camp Karamac. This is where he met the love of his life – Carole. He said he knew that day that he had met the girl he would marry and that their wedding day was the happiest day of his life.
Their nearly 60-year marriage was a true example of love and devotion. Through good times and bad, they built a beautiful and loving life together and raised four children. They were blessed with 11 grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy. He was their biggest fan – cheering them on in all their endeavors, offering lessons, encouragement and the occasional “course correction.”
From an early age, Bob was industrious and hardworking, and instilled these values in his children. From humble beginnings, he worked to make a better life for himself and his family. In his youth, he sold T-shirts outside Shibe park and was a paperboy for the Philadelphia Bulletin. One year – as one of the top paperboys in the city – he earned a trip to Washington D.C. and sat in the bleachers for the 1953 presidential inauguration of Dwight D. Eisenhower. In later years, he would work for the Curtis Publishing Company and spent 28 years with Betz Laboratories, retiring in 1993 as assistant vice president of Distribution. His retirement from Betz was just the beginning of his second act. Bob was an entrepreneur – who was co-owner of the Richboro Swim Club and later owner of several businesses including the Southampton Family Golf Center and Recirculation Technologies Inc.
Relentlessly optimist – always working to better himself, Bob was a lifelong learner. While working full time and a father of four, he earned a degree from LaSalle University’s night program. He was a voracious reader, who always had a book by his side and read the Wall Street Journal every day – sharing stories and clippings that he found interesting. Bob inspired everyone around him to believe in themselves, to dream big and to set out a plan to achieve their goals.
Bob was dedicated to his country and community. He served honorably in the U.S. Army. A 48-year resident of Northampton Township, Bob was the first and last chairman of the Federal Land Reuse Authority. He also chaired the Richboro 2000 Committee paving the way for the revitalization of downtown Richboro.
A man of deep faith, Bob was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Cryril’s parish in Jamison, Pa.
Bob loved the Philadelphia sports teams and was an avid golfer. He and Carole were long-time members of Spring Mill Country Club and spent many wonderful days playing Spring Mill and other courses close to home and around the country. Highlights were playing Pine Valley, Pebble Beach and St. Andrew’s in Scotland.
He was loved and will be greatly missed by his devoted wife Carole, his children Robert Jr., Christine, John and his wife Dawn, and Susan. His grandchildren Robert Finley III (Veronica), Kyle Miller (Nicole), Tabitha Finley, Erin Finley, Sean Miller, Fiona Lanshe, John Finley, Annabelle Lanshe, Makayla Miller, Colin Finley and Kiersten Lanshe. His brother Gerard and his wife Sandra and sister Ann Yaegel and her husband Thomas and sister-in-law Joanne, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Teresa Finley, his brothers John and Lawrence, his son-in-law Robert Miller, daughter-in-law Patricia Finley.
Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, May 9th from 9:30 a.m until words of remembrance at 10:45 a.m. and to his Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. at St. Cyril’s of Jerusalem Church, 1410 Almshouse Road Jamison, PA. Mass will be celebrated at 11, followed by his interment in Union Cemetery in Richboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those seeking to honor Bob’s legacy consider contributions to his high school alma mater Roman Catholic High School 301 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Morning Visitation
Monday, May 9th, 2022
9:30 AM - 10:45 AMSt. Cyril of Jerusalem Church
1410 Almshouse Road
Jamison, PA 18929Words of Remembrance
Monday, May 9th, 2022
10:45 AMSt. Cyril of Jerusalem Church
1410 Almshouse Road
Jamison, PA 18929Funeral Mass
Monday, May 9th, 2022
11:00 AMSt. Cyril of Jerusalem Church
1410 Almshouse Road
Jamison, PA 18929Cemetery
Monday, May 9th, 2022
Union Cemetery
209 Almshouse Road
Richboro, PA 18954