David J. Finger

David J. Finger, 61, of Akron, New York, passed away on October 27th, 2022 after a lifelong battle with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. 

David was born on May 15, 1961 to Lawson and Jean Finger in Batavia, New York.  After graduating from Akron High School, he went on to attend Bryant and Stratton College and received a BS in Elementary Education from Buffalo State College. 

Upon college graduation, David decided to utilize his love of swimming and his teaching skills to pursue a career in coaching.  He started as an assistant coach while still in high school at Akron Central.  His career began as the Head Coach of the Clarence Swim Club, where he coached for 17 years.  Then, he went on to become the Head Coach of the Stingray Swim Club, where he retired in 2021.  In total, David coached over 30 years.  During this time, David mentored and cared for each of his swimmers as individuals and athletes.  David demonstrated his passion for coaching throughout his career by forming many indelible relationships.  He understood that hard work lays the foundation for success and that participating in sports teaches innumerable life skills. David believed that determination, staying on task and physical fitness benefited his athletes through their swimming. David was a member of the Akron High School Sports Wall of Fame for his swimming achievements on the 1976/77 team.  He was also an active member of the Akron Jaycees for many years.

David’s character was apparent by the many friends and family relationships that he maintained over the years.  There was nothing that brought him more joy than being surrounded by those he loved. He was well known for hosting a great party at the Finger Family Pool. 

David was predeceased by his parents, Lawson and Jean Finger, his sister, Helen Beutel, and his nephew, Steven Peters.  He is survived by his brother, Harold (Carolyn) Finger, sister Nancy (Jeff) Peters, as well as eight nieces and nephews: Lisa (Brian) Deickman, Jennifer (Ted) Nelson, Michael (Suzanne) Finger, Kelly (Brian) Spurlock, Alison (Adam) Randall, Scott (Torrey) Peters, Kristin (Greg) Jelson, Angela (Shane) Finger and 19 great nieces and nephews.

Viewing services will be held at Ross Funeral Home on Thursday, November 3rd from 3 – 8pm.  A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church of South Newstead on Friday, November 4th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Stingrays Swim Club – c/o Dave Finger Scholarship Fund Stingrays Swim Club at PO Box 47, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 or Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy, in memory of David Finger at www.myotonic.org.

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