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ROLAND FINKELMAN Obituary
Roland I (Rif) Finkelman of Lincolnshire, Illinois died on Tuesday, February 14 at his home. Rif was born May 3, 1928 in New York City (Bronx), the second child of the late William Wolf and Matie (Charnes) Finkelman. He married Iris Tuck on October 24, 1952 in New York, NY. Iris preceded him in death on July 25, 2011. Surviving are his children Daniel (Patricia) Finkelman of Granville, OH; Eve (Gary McNaney) Finkelman of Chicago, IL; Jesse (Patricia O'Brien) Finkelman of Lincolnshire, IL; grandchildren, Leah Finkelman of Brighton, MA and Micah Finkelman of Brooklyn, NY; brother Arthur (Ramona) Finkelman of Nyack, NY. In addition to his parents and wife Iris, Rif was preceded in death by his daughter, Sue Ann Finkelman (August 9, 1970) and his sister Alice Lee Finkelman (January 1, 1966). Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Rif attended PS 185 and The Anderson School (Poughkeepsie, NY). He graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in English Literature in 1951. Rif began his career at The New York Times and from there he developed a career in Human Resources. He served as Vice President of International Latex (Dover, DE), Vice President Human Resources at Bell & Howell (Lincolnwood, IL) and Executive Vice President, Human Resources at GATX, Inc (General American Transportation) from which he retired in 1992. Rif served on the Board of Robert Morris University (Chicago) for 30 years, and was elected Chair of the Board in 1984, a position he held until his death. In addition, he was celebrated as Syracuse University Alumnus of the Year in 1994. Rif was possessed of a great heart and a wicked sense of humor. He was a voracious reader and movie buff with a prodigious memory. He was a great friend, a treasured brother, a phenomenal father, and a beloved grandfather. We will miss his love and caring, his wise counsel, his laugh, and his unique and particularly effective use of all the prosaic, profane and creative words at his disposal. Our lives were enhanced by his presence and will continue to be so by his memory. Memorial donations may be made to Orphans of the Storm (2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015) or Robert Morris University Illinois (Office of Advancement 401 S State Street Chicago, IL 60605).
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Memories and Condolences
for ROLAND FINKELMAN
Sponsored by The Finkelman Family.
February 27, 2017
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
February 22, 2017
I am deeply sorry for your loss James 4/8 draw close to god and he will draw close to yoy
Dee
February 21, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there is a hope for our love ones lost in death can be reassuring.
Mark Peltz
February 20, 2017
Dear Dan and Patricia - Please know that both of you and the entire Finkelman family are in my thoughts and prayers today. I'm so very sorry to hear about Roland's passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Most sincerely, Mark
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February 18, 2017
RIF and Iris both became close friends after I started working at GATX in 1983. We started almost every day together over a cup of coffee and tea. We hunted together for many years and they visited us in SV on several occasions. His wit, love of life and deep passion for social issues were unique - also never sent me a book I didn't love!! John Chlebowski
Gary Felsten
February 18, 2017
Rif was a great boss and mentor to me in my early career at GATX. I learned so much from him and kept in touch with him for many years after I left GATX. He was a smart, compassionate man with a great sense of humor. I will miss him. My sympathies to the entire family.
Bill and Debbie
February 17, 2017
Jesse so very sorry for your loss. Deb and I are thinking of you. All the best.
Jeff Moe
February 18, 2017
RIF was the consummate gentleman, many of long talks on days I would catch him walking the dogs. Will be remembered as one of the good ones. Missed but never forgotten rest in peace!
Bill Mooney
February 17, 2017
I had the pleasure of knowing Rif many years ago when we both worked for Playtex in Dover, Delaware. He was a good friend and a respected co-worker. My condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
Bob and Kim Myers
February 17, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Finkelman family....Bob and Kim.
Roberta McQuade
February 17, 2017
An incredibly written obit - Rif would be proud. You've captured his essence beautifully. A wonderful man in all ways, a presence bigger than himself, a source of loving and tender wisdom. Impossible to not miss everything about him. God bless all of your families - he approached all elements of life with a smile. Glad he is now with Iris.
Leslie Vasquez
February 17, 2017
We love you and share in your loss. It's been to my family's benefit knowing and caring for Rif and Iris. We're fortunate to be an extended part of your family.
With love,
Vasquez Family
Randy and Linda Becker
February 16, 2017
So sorry to be in California for the service, our thoughts and prayers are with Rif's family. It has been a distinct pleasure and privilege to serve on the Robert Morris University Board with Rif as it's Chairman.
February 16, 2017
All our love to the Finkelfolk. Ian & Hye
Rick and Anne Marie Thomas
February 16, 2017
Dan because of your description of him in your life, we feel like we knew him. We are so sorry for you and the girls and the world. But I know because of his influence in your lives, he will live on to continue to make the world a better place. Love and prayers to you and the family....Rick and Anne Marie
Donald Andorfer
February 16, 2017
I had the privilege of working with Rif for twenty-eight years on the Board of Trustees for Robert Morris University. I remember him as a committed leader and one who had a real passion for the thousands of students served by the University. It was my good fortune to have crossed paths with him during my professional career. Mary Janet and I will remember Rif and his family in our prayers.
Joe Takash
February 16, 2017
I am unable to attend your services,Rif. However, you are in my thoughts and prayers. You were a man of warmth, kindness, humility and possessed a charm of homespun wisdom. Like EF Hutton, when Rif Finkleman talked, people listened. Rest well my friend.
Kammerer's
February 15, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, from our family to yours. Many great memories that will never be forgotten.
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