Search by Name

Search by Name

GREGORY FINGER Obituary

FINGER--Gregory. The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) deeply mourns the untimely loss of our beloved Board Chair and former Executive Director Gregory H. Finger. Greg, a longtime social justice organizer and activist, passed away at his home on the morning of December 13, 2010. To the end he believed that the struggle against racism is indispensable to the achievement of justice. CCR was graced with Greg for 39 years and he was the bedrock upon which CCR was built. Greg dedicated his life to justice and service to humanity. From his work as a young man in the racial justice movements of the 1950's to his years as an organizer for the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE) in the mid-1960's, to his anti-war activism during the Vietnam era, to his more than three decades as director of the co-ed, multiracial Camp Thoreau, Greg was a living, breathing example to all of us of how to speak truth to power and live life to the fullest. Greg's commitment to service was further evident in his many years volunteering as a firefighter, emergency response technician, and community leader. Greg is greatly missed by his friends and colleagues. Our loss of Greg has opened a gap in our lives that he would have wanted filled with our efforts to make a better world. Our deep and sincere condolences go to his wife, Joan Hollister, his brother Karl, and the host of family members so beloved by Greg. Our hearts are with you all.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Dec. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for GREGORY FINGER

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

tim hunter

December 16, 2010

I am heartbroken to have lost my neighbor and friend, Greg Finger. Greg served as a town-board member here in my town of Gardiner, and I do not believe I will ever have the opportunity to be represented by a finer, abler, kinder human being.

He spent his life helping others, from Camp Thoreau, to The Shawangunk Valley Fire Company, as an EMT, on the board of The Center for Constitutional Rights, the Gardiner open-space commission upon which I too sit, and in countless other ways that I could never be aware of. He will be missed by so many in so many ways.

I think that the following sample of comments on his Facebook page tell the story better than I ever could:

“The world just lost one of it’s true father figures...You showed me the ropes...You will be missed, you have changed my life forever...You were there for me when I needed help...Greg touched and loved so many, it was truly his gift to bring so many people together and I was so lucky that he found me...You made all the difference in my life. Thank you...To one of the world’s greatest men! You will be sorely missed! A fine EMT, a wonderful instructor, a great man...You have a beautiful spirit and it will remain in all of us... to know you was to love you... you have forever changed my life... made memories for me that will last a lifetime... you meant so much to so many, helped change lives, brought people together from around the world, and taught so many valuable life lessons to us all...You gave so much of yourself and shaped the character of so many...Thanks for molding me, your teachings made me the man I am today and carrying out the message to my two sons...Thank you, father Finger, for the stories, the wisdom, and the life lessons you have shared with all who loved you. Thank you for your kindess, your humanity, your selflessness, and the love that you have given to each and every person that has had the pleasure and honor to have known you...Thank you for leaving this world a little bit better of a place, than when you first made your entry...You will be missed greatly, but I can assure you that you will not be forgotten...The measure of your life is that all the people you loved love each other, too. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute.

You will be missed, but your spirit survives in the lives of everyone who loved you. Farewell, Greg, and thank you for everything that you gave to all of us."

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in GREGORY FINGER's name

Memorial Events
for GREGORY FINGER

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support GREGORY's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor GREGORY FINGER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more