Don A. Finefrock

FINEFROCK Don A. Finefrock, 87, of Naples, Florida, and formerly of Mansfield, died Saturday, June 14, 2008, in Naples. The retired Mansfield funeral director, child-welfare advocate and philanthropist was born April 26, 1921, in Mansfield, to John H. and Sarah (Honeywell) Finefrock and was graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1939, attended Denison University, served 3 1/2 years in Burma with the US Army during WWII. Following the war, he returned and was graduated from The Cleveland College of Embalming in 1946 and joined his family's funeral home business: J.H. Finefrock & Sons. Recognized for his striking white hair, dapper attire, and gregarious personality, Don lead a family-owned-and-operated team of professional directors and staff, that were acknowledged throughout the region for setting the standard in funeral service. The Finefrock name became synonymous with excellence. His service to Richland County Children Services and its predecessor, the Richland County Children's Home spanned nearly three decades. He served as Chairman of the Board for five years. His profession recognized a leader as well. In 1976 he was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Ohio State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors of Ohio, serving as the Board President several terms. It was under Don's leadership that the state began to license funeral home facilities. Don served on the National Council of Funeral Service Examining Boards, and was a member of National Selected Morticians, Ohio Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association. He served on the vestry of Grace Episcopal Church, and was a member of Westbrook Country Club. Don was a member of Masonic Lodge #35, Al Koran Shrine of Cleveland, and past president of Mansfield Shrine Club. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Roth) Finefrock, whom he married December 13, 1966; a son, Don S. "Chip" Finefrock of Miami, Florida; daughters, Susan J. Finefrock and Lori Finefrock, both of Worthington and Lynn Finefrock and Mike Bartfay of Delaware; a son-in-law, David Joslyn of Oak Park, Illinois; grandchildren, Christopher Joslyn, Mark Joslyn, Alec Bartfay, and twins Hannah Bartfay and Jake Bartfay; and a sister, Carolyn Beckstett of Medina. He was preceded in death by his first wife Marjorie (Boals) Finefrock on July 29, 1964, a daughter Kathleen A. Finefrock, his sister Virginia G. Finefrock Kirby and his brother John H. Finefrock, Jr. Visitation Wednesday, June 18, 2008, from 5-7 p.m. in the Finefrock Chapel of the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, 350 Marion Avenue, Mansfield, 44903 (Former Finefrock Funeral Home) 419-525-4411. The funeral will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. SNYDER FUNERAL HOMES is honored to serve the Finefrock Family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Finefrock Family Fund of The Richland County Foundation to Benefit Richland County Children Services. To send a condolence online, you may visit: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries