P. David Finks

P. Finks Obituary

FINKS P. DAVID FINKS Who as a Catholic priest worked with Saul Alinsky in creating the Rochester, NY community organization FIGHT and later wrote The Radical Vision of Saul Alinsky, the first biography of the creator of community organizing, died June 10, 2009, in a hospice near his home in Sanford, NC after months of declining health. Finks helped create the national Catholic Campaign for Human Development, a major funder of social justice activities, during three years as an associate of George G. Higgins on the staff of the U.S. Catholic Conference in Washington, DC. He resigned from the active priesthood in 1973, married Christy C. Bulkeley, a publisher for Gannett newspapers, in 1975 and continued with social justice activities and writing in communities where her job took them. Besides his wife, he is survived by six brothers and sisters, a stepmother and two stepsisters in the Rochester, NY area. Memorial services today at St. Stephen Catholic Church. Arrangements by Miller-Boles Funeral Home of Sanford, NC. Online condolences may be made at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for P. Finks

11 Entries

Carol Bonsignore

March 28, 2024

Fr. Finks was a beloved Chaplain at my High School Our Lady of Mercy Rochester NY.

Fleming Rutledge

June 26, 2009

I did not know Father Finks at all, but I read the obituary in the Washington Post and was greatly edified to know of his work on behalf of social justice. Since President Obama as a young man was drawn to the work of Saul Alinsky, one hopes that this fact was an encouragement to Father Finks in his last months. I send particular sympathies to his wife and offer a prayer for the work of justice to continue.

June 17, 2009

Father Finks as my brother and I knew him when we were kids was a most kind and funny presence in our Pittsford home. I didn't until years later know about the good work he was doing back then but there was always time taken out to make us laugh. The quality of good humor remained in this lifelong family friend who will be missed and remembered with love.

David Wurth

Mary Jo Carey

June 15, 2009

My condolences to the Family of David Finks. Father Finks was the Chaplain at Mercy when I attended in the early '60's. In later years when I suffered a major spiritual dilemma Father Finks was the only priest I could think of to call. I knew he would listen with warmth, humor and respect. I knew he wouldn't judge. He was a rare, delightful man. Bless him for his work and compassion. Mary Jo Carey

June 15, 2009

Our lovivg condolences to christy and to the entire family.A truly good personwho meant so much to so many.Estelle and marvin wurth,boca raton,fl.

Marcia Miller

June 14, 2009

My sincere sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of P. David Finks. I was a Sister of Mercy in the early 60's when he was the chaplain for the Sisters at the Mercy Motherhouse, at the same time that he was the teaching chaplain at Our Lady of Mercy High School. We Sisters were so privileged to be guided and inspired by P. David, with his wonderful insights, brilliant understanding of the trends of the Church and of society,deep faith,warm personality,great leadership qualities. He touched so many lives, and I'm sure never realized what a great difference he made in my life, in the lives of the Sisters of Mercy, in the lives of the students he taught at Mercy. Surely the Lord has welcomed him home in Heaven with open arms!!! I'm sorry he suffered, and I can imagine how much he is missed by all of you family and friends who love him.
Marcia Farrell Miller

Mercy Alum

June 14, 2009

My deep sympathy to the family of David Finks. I was privileged to be a student at Mercy High when David Finks was the chaplain there. The seeds of commitment to social justice that he sowed there took root and have flourished among those of us who had the good fortune to have your David as our spiritual advisor. His spirit lives on.

Garey and Jeanne Folts

June 14, 2009

Please accept our sincerest sympathy. Father David gave me my instruction when I turned catholic at St Charles in Rochester. He also married my wife and I April 11th 1959. Over the years We have thought of him often. Our prayers are with you all.
Jeanne and Garey Folts

Joan Falvo Marcello '63

June 14, 2009

A life well lived, well remembered, well blessed; my sincere condolences.

June 14, 2009

My deep sympathy to the family of David Finks. I was privileged to be a student at Mercy High when David Finks was the chaplain there. The seeds of commitment to social justice that he sowed there took root and have flourished among those of us who had the good fortune to have had your David as our spiritual advisor. His spirit lives on.
A former Mercian

Nancy Coppard Holdren

June 12, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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