Harold Leonard Fink

Harold Fink Obituary

FINK Harold Leonard Fink, age 96, beloved husband of the late Pearl Lautella Fink of Stratford, passed away Sunday, March 28. 2010 after a short illness. Born in Jersey City, N.J. on March 10, 1914, he was the son of the late Louis and Edith (MacDowell) Fink. Mr. Fink was a veteran of World War II serving with the United States Army. A professional musician, he played in Vaudeville and with many stage productions, he taught music in the Fairfield school system for more than 30 years, and taught private lessons at his home studio until three weeks ago. He has often been quoted as saying "I remember longing for lessons when I was a kid. I want everyone to have a chance to fall in love with music." He was an accomplished musician and lovingly taught thousands of youngsters every instrument from the violin to saxophone. A devoted brother, uncle and friend to thousands of young musicians. He is survived by his sister, Lucille Hunter; his nieces Lynn Lautala, Donna Muro, and Sandra Joudy; his nephew, Ronald Hunter; great-nephews and nieces, grand-nephews and nieces, great-grandnephews and nieces; and many cherished friends and neighbors. Friends are invited to attend inurment services on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 11 a.m. in Read Memorial Chapel of Mt. Grove Cemetery, North Ave., Bridgeport. The William R. McDonald Funeral Home, Stratford is in care of arrangements.

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Published by Connecticut Post on Mar. 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Fink

10 Entries

Cindy (Nacovitch) Hulton

March 24, 2025

Today must be a very difficult day for family and friends of Mr. Fink. You´re in my thoughts and prayers. To be honest, as a 5th grader, I was a little afraid if my practice book wasn´t signed, so I forged my mother´s initials. I realize now and appreciate how difficult it had to be to turn so many children into musicians. I will always be grateful for him.
Rest in peace, Mr Fink (or have you already created a band?)

Cindy Hulton

March 24, 2024

I remember he taught us 4-bar phrasing for our Christmas concert. As a first-time clarinet player, I felt like we really dazzled the audience! Hahahaha.

He was a wonderful teacher!!
Cindy (Nacovitch) Hulton

Cindy (Nacovitch) Hulton

January 22, 2024

I´m very grateful to Mr Fink who taught me to play the clarinet, and every other elementary school student who joined their band. What patience that had to take. I loved when he took us around the school´s neighborhood to practice marching in the Memorial Day parade. God Bless You Mr. Fink. I hope you´re enjoying lots of music! One day you´ll have a HUGE band to play for you.
With much love and thanks.

April 2, 2010

What a wonderful inspiration Mr. Fink was. I had him for music at Holland Hill School in the 60s and 70s and took private lessons from him all through middle and high school years. He was truly an inspiration for my interest in music. I remember coming back to play at his retirement party. I remember his old time phone at his home and the fact that he charged about two dollars for a lesson back then! He will be sadly missed. Rest well Mr. Fink, you have blessed us all.

Charles Kochan Jr MD

March 31, 2010

I just wanted to say what a wonderful and super strong man Mr. Fink was. I was always amazed when he came into the office for his routine physicals and never complained about anything! To be working at age 96 is unbelieveable. He will be greatly missed by music lovers and students from all corners.

Maurice Scioletti

March 31, 2010

As Mr. Fink's next door neighbor I have so many wonderful memories of one of the finest human beings ever. He was also the busiest person on the street with his passion for teaching music. I know, I had the best seat and enjoyed the sound that came from his special studio. My family will certainly miss him and may he enjoy his eternal peace.

March 30, 2010

Mr. Fink gave music lessons to both of my sons at his home. He was an extraordinarily gifted and kind man. After accompanying one of my sons to a Friday afternoon trumpet lesson for five years (which I thoroughly enjoyed) I will never forget Mr. Fink's graciousness and his love for his work. God Bless you, Mr. Fink. May you rest in peace.
Elaine Sansonetti, Stratford

March 30, 2010

What a dear sweet man- a true old world gentleman. He was our music teacher in Fairfield and our children's as well at his home.And a friend of my dad's. He touched so many hearts with his teaching and his passionate gift of music but most of all by sharing his very person with everyone he came in contact with. We will miss you so very much.Thanks Mr. Fink. The Martire family

Hari Date

March 30, 2010

I had lunch on Sunday with another student and friend of Mr.Finks and was asked, "what's your fondest memory of him?" I couldn't come up with just one. His simple nature, his passion for music, his selflessness, his studio room, with all the collections of music, instruments and trinkets. The coffee was always brewing... I remember the day I picked the trumpet (or did it pick me) to play as it laid on a chair in his studio amidst other bigger instruments with more keys. I picked it because it had 3 valves. "It's gotta be easy". Boy was I wrong. But Mr. Fink taught me to make music, taught me to respect music and taught me to love music. I will forever keep him in my heart and will pass on his teachings to my children on the Getzen that he gave me. It will never leave my home.

Kathleen Durand

March 30, 2010

Let me be the first of many to say what a wonderful and remarkable man Mr. Fink was. We have five children and he taught four of them--everything from violin to trombone to drums. Music is a large part of our lives, as was Mr. Fink during those lesson years. Although we haven't seen him in several years, we think of him every time we pass his street, and we'll miss him. I'm glad he's with his wife now.

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