Gary A. Finch Ph.D.

1942 - 2018

Finch, PhD., Gary A. Gary A. Finch passed early in the morning hours of Monday, January 15, 2018, at the age of 75. He was born on December 13, 1942, in West Bend, Wisconsin. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen Kay (nee Anfinsen) for 52 years and loving father of Deb (John) Schilling, Michelle (Mark) Jacobi and Chris (Kim) Finch. Gary was exceptionally proud of his children because, "They are such accomplished people and have made the world a much better place." He adored his grandsons Brian Finch and Zach Finch and always had time for them. Gary attended Holy Angels Grade School in West Bend, Wisconsin, West Bend High School and Marquette University. He earned his B.S. degree at the University of Minnesota, and his M.S. and PhD. at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His teaching career brought him to Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), where he was a highly respected English teacher at James Madison High School and Harold S. Vincent High School. As an MPS administrator, he was asked to create a high school for at-risk students and Project STAY (Success Training for At-risk Youth) was born. The historic Eighth Street School became the home of Project STAY, where all students were welcomed, treated with respect and given a fresh start, no matter their past challenges. The entire staff was incredible. They saved lives. Gary worked for MPS for 33 years. He enjoyed taking long walks with Kathy, playing tennis and disc golf, driving his Mustang, listening to music, reading, spending time with his loving grandsons Brian and Zach and supporting the Badgers, Golden Eagles and Packers. And if you had any tech-related question - he knew the answer! He will be missed by his sister Rachel (David) Zimmers; sisters-in-law Nancy Peterson and Linda Finch; nephews and nieces, Jeff Peterson, Dawn Sells, Amy (Tom) Winters, Ann Zimmers, Jennie (Troy) Dillon, Tony (Carrie) Finch, Sarah (Ulices) Sepulveda; and, by great nieces, nephews and Godchildren. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Geraldine (Mueller) and Arnold Finch, brother Mark Finch and his in-laws Genevieve and James Anfinsen. His body was donated to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Our family would like to thank the compassionate care-givers at Community Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Center. We will always be grateful to Drs. Abdel Alqwasmi, Joseph Bovi and Jennifer Connelly. Gary worked his entire life to level the playing field for everyone. He was simply a good man. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 24, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, N88W17658 Christman Road, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Visitation will start at 10 AM, eulogies at 12:30 PM. A memorial mass will begin at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County, Inc. (HAWS) 701 Northview Road, Waukesha, Wisconsin, 53188.