John J. Finch, 83, died Sunday, April 11, 2021. He was born in Manitowoc, April 19, 1937, to Frank and Lucy (O’Brien) Finch. John graduated from St. Andrew Catholic Grade School and Manitowoc Lincoln High School before attending Marquette University and U.W. Milwaukee, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in English in 1961. From 1957 to 1959, he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. John’s professional career was spent mainly in sales, most recently for Harper Brooms and Brushes.
On June 17, 1972, John married Colette Lessuise at Annunciation of Our Lord Catholic Church. He exemplified the Irish senses of humor and hospitality. John enjoyed cooking, fishing, reading, puzzles, golf, gardening, remodeling and his many dogs. Ava has been a special companion pet to him these past 6 years. Various benevolent causes of his include St. John’s Homeless Shelter and Unity Hospice, both dear to his heart.
Love of family was paramount to John. He is survived by his wife, Colette; his brother Donald Finch; a niece and nephews, all who he loved watch mature and journey through life, Jill (Mark) Olson, Patrick Finch and Michael (Rose) Finch. He is further survived by special family friends Mark and Sandra Maslinski and their children Hannah, Ave and Ransom; plus Jude and Diana Fernandes and their son Ethan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Thomas Finch; sisters-in-law, Anna and Jean Finch; and a niece Kathleen Finch.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon Saturday at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St. Funeral Services will be held at noon Saturday at the funeral home with Father Jack McCarthy O. Praem officiating. Services will be livestreamed on the Proko-Wall facebook page. Military Honors and entombment will follow at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing while at the funeral home. To send online condolences visit www.prokowall.com.
John’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the Odd Fellow’s Rehab staff, Unity Hospice and Aurora nurses. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to St. John’s Homeless Shelter, Unity Hospice or St. Willebrord Outreach Programs.