Two of his former Little Brothers, Robert Fanello and Thomas DeWeerdt maintained their friendship with Richard all the way through to his last days.

To Richard the connections he made weren't just about a one-time event, but it was about developing character and providing as much support as each boy needed. He took them on trips out West, taught them to water and snow ski, biking and so much about life. Richard felt strongly about giving back to his community and he did so through volunteering his time and talents with Ken-Rock Community Center on the Board of Directors for seventeen years and on the Rock Cut Trail Crew.īut Richard’s most impactful contribution however was becoming a Big Brother to many boys through the Big Brother’s organization. He came home and worked at Rockford Oil Company for most of his career as an Accountant and later Office Manager. Richard joined the Army in 1962 and was Honorably Discharged in 1964. This paved the way for a lifetime of success and service. He graduated from Dixon High School in 1955 and went on to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1959. Richard leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments. Also, Richard was very close with Robert and Lori Fanello and Thomas and Christy DeWeerdt and their families. and wife Mary, Linda Walker, Diane Kovac and husband Michael, Mary Crager, Susan Azeff and husband Philip, Paul Engelbrecht and wife Becky, Robert Engelbrecht, James Engelbrecht, Jennifer Goodman and husband Gerald. He is survived by several nephews and nieces, Donald Finch Jr. Lavere and Alice Finch, his twin brother and sister-in-law Donald and Judy Finch and his sister Jean Ann Engelbrecht. Richard was preceded in death by his parents G. He peacefully passed away on March 14, 2024, at OSF Hospital in Rockford, IL. Finch was born on December 24, 1937, in Dixon, IL.

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