Hemlock/Livonia: Richard W. Finn, “Rick”, passed peacefully at home on September 26, 2022. Forever forty-two years old, he was born on March 13 in Wellsville, New York, to the late William and Betty (Underwood) Finn. Survived by his wife of thirty-one years, Susan (Birchenough) Finn and children; Sean (Jodi) Finn of Honeoye Falls, Patrick (Paula) Finn of Windsor, Michael Finn of Andover, Michele Costik Pettis of Nashville, Chantal Costik Travaglini of Livonia, Fr. Michael Costik of Canandaigua, and John (Laura) Costik of Livonia; grandchildren, Abbey, Mollie, Conor, Brian, Mick, Anna, Patrick, Liam, Sean Patrick, and Mary Colleen Finn, Owen Pettis, Rayvon Pettis, Grace Pettis, George Pettis, Gabriella and Gianni Travaglini, and Sarah and Evan Costik; siblings, Maureen Rohde, Marilyn Seeley, and Thomas (Jane) Finn. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
He met the love of his life, Sue, while singing in the church choir at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Livonia, New York. Rick and Sue, each holding steadfast their own identity, were never separate in their shared values, their mutual concern for one another, and their world-view.
A man of great faith demonstrated through good works, Rick quietly and faithfully shared his time, talents, and treasure with many charitable organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The American Legion, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, local area Food Banks, and The Wounded Warrior Project. A friend or neighbor telling Rick that they had a job to do instantly put that task on Rick’s To-Do list.
A true family man; Rick was always at a grandchild’s ball game or school function quietly encouraging and supporting every facet of their life. Blessed with the gift of gab, Rick loved to share a story and tell a joke. Like every Irishman, Rick enjoyed the company of others and sharing a story, joke, or song. Traveling to the Old Sod three times during his lifetime was looked upon fondly. Rick appreciated the abundance of God’s blessings and especially reveled in the outdoors and was an avid hunter, golfer, and walker.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, September 29th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY. Rick’s Funeral Mass will be held at 3pm on Friday, September 30th, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY. Military honors will be held following the funeral mass. Interment will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harrison-Lee American Legion Post, PO Box 214, Livonia, NY 14487 or to Livingston County Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 336, Geneseo, NY 14454. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of such an incredible and influential person. I had the honor of having Mr. Finn as my social studies teacher and basketball coach. He was by far, one of my favorite teachers. In fact, social studies will forever be my favorite academic subject because of Mr. Finn. He was always full of wisdom and encouragement. Mr. Finn had the ability to make you laugh on even your worst day. I will forever treasure the memories, life lessons, and laughs that he brought into my life. Mr. Finn will sorely be missed.
Dear Sue and family, I am so sorry to hear of Ricks passing. He was definitely one of a kind. Just thinkng about him makes me smile. Hope God knows how much fun he will have with with Rick up there. May he rest in peace.
Sad to hear about Rick’s passing. We were neighbors in the old neighborhood in Wellsville where Rick grew up. Sincere condolences to the Finn family from the Wheelers
Bill Wheeler
Beverly “Jane” Wheeler
Bob, Sue and Carol
Sue,
Mark and I just heard the sad news of Rick’s passing and are sending our sincerest condolences. He was a great guy with lots of fun and laughter! May God bless you and comfort you and your family!
Mr. Finn was my Social Studies teacher at Pittsford Middle School. He always made classes interesting and had the best stories to share. He also helped out with drama club and brought his son Sean. He was a positive role model in my life, so much so I still have my seventh grade Social Studies notes from his class! He was one of those teachers that made every one love learning. My family and I will fondly talk about Mr. Finn for many years to come.
My prayers and love to the Finn Family
Rick was truly a role model for me in my teaching career. I was his teammate for many years and it was obvious that he loved teaching and cared so much for children. He was a storyteller who brought history to life as if he were there. We frequently ate lunch together and he would joke when I had a mouthful of food that would almost spit out in laughter. He was a very private man who focused on his family and his community. To say I miss him would be an understatement. He was a kind gentle giant who would do anything to help our team of teachers. God bless you Rick. You can now see all your relatives who have gone before you and make them laugh and love as you have for so many. I will think of you often and pray for your family
Sue and Family. So sorry to hear about Rick. Many found memories through sports. Maxiums -laugh’s. Always enjoyed talking hunting and hearing the many stories. God Bless through this difficult time. Jim Blum
High school days would not have been the same without him! So sorry to hear this.
My condolences and prayers to your family. Mr. Finn was an exceptional educator, the year I spent in his classroom turned history on for me and I continue to enjoy to this day.
To Rick’s family, I want to express my sincere sympathy. Having graduated with Rick and going through Wellsville High with him many great memories come to mind. His laughter, whit and stories made Rick the person he was. A great person who will not be forgotten. May he Rest In Peace.
Deeply sorry.
Ellen and Larry Jensen
Mr. Finn was my middle school social studies teacher almost 30 years ago- he remains to be one of my most memorable and impactful teachers. I still take notes the way he taught me way back when. My condolences to his family.
Susie and family, what a great man all around. Loved his sense of humor and boy he sure did cherish you and your entire family. I pray for peace for all of you and hope the many happy memories you all share will give you comfort.
Love you my friend,
Marie Beikirch
so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I worked in the office at Barker Rd. Middle School for many years and enjoyed our golf conversations whenever he came by. My daughter also had Rick as a teacher and coach and he was one of her favorites. He will be missed by many of us. Keeping all of you in my prayers. Barb Chiacchierini
I have known Rick since we played Little League baseball together in the mid-1950’s. A truer friend one will never find. Always willing to lend a helping hand and he loved his wife and family to the utmost. He frequently talked of how he enjoyed every minute of his teaching career. He always talked about how much he loved his sons and was very proud of each one. The next time I sit in a deer stand or chase a ruffed grouse in WI, I will be thinking of Rick. He truly loved the outdoors and The wonders of the natural world. Love you buddy.
Chuck Juengling Louisville KY
I am sorry to about this. Rick was a good man and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Being from Wellsille, I was part of a large group of friends that played cards and hung out a lot. Always a lot of laughter with Rick. I am so sorry for the family’s loss. He will be missed.
Such a fun, great, generous guy gone way to soon. My thoughts are with you Sue, family and Legion members. RIP Rick you will be missed by so many.
Sorry and sad to hear about cousin Rick’s passing. Growing up i always enjoyed his company. He was funny kind and made you feel special. Our thoughts prayers to the family.
Walt&Maria
Rick was my next door neighbor on Spring Street years ago. The fun loving and funny guy who always helped others. My furnace had given up one winter and I was lucky to have a wood stove to heat my big, old house. However, I was running out of wood. I came home from work one day to find my back porch loaded with cut firewood. Rick didn’t want to take credit for his generous gift, but I found out through the neighborhood grapevine he was responsible. Anyone who knew Rick was lucky indeed. Sympathy to Sue and all the family.
Sue and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Stan and Barb
Sue and family, we are so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. We pray for God’s peace to surround you at this time.
Sue and family, we are so sad to hear of Rick’s passing, he was one of my favorite people. Our deepest sympathy’s to you and your family’s. Much love….
Sue and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Rick.
It’s so heartbreaking to lose someone that you dearly love.
Hold fast to your good memories of Rick.
When we truly love another person, the love held within our hearts is always there, for all eternity.
That’s how we carry LOVE with us, when we die.
Sincere condolences to you all,
Ron and Nancy Sweet and family
Dear Sue and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gods Peace, Kim (Webster) Della Rocco
I had the pleasure of working with Rick in Pittsford. He was a veteran teacher and I was a newcomer. He welcomed me with open arms and always greeted me with a smile. He frequently told me stories and jokes, which I loved. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was loved by so many and will be missed. I am sure he is continuing his story telling and jokes in Heaven! Prayers and love to your family.
What a wonderful man, I wish I had known him. Thanks for sending his obituary, it is beautiful.
I am so sorry for your loss. Please tell your mother I how sorry I am, too. I wish I had kept in touch with her.l
Love and prayers,
Aunt Audra
Sorry to hear about cousin Rick. Have fond memories of him. Was always kind and fun and a great guy. Our prayers to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers .
Sue and Family,
We are sending our sincere condolences to you at this sad and difficult time. Please know that you will be in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Tom and Linda Tuchrello
Sue and family, you have my deepest sympathy in Rick’s passing. I met him over 30 years ago when teaching in Livonia and he made a huge impression. Over the years I has seen him a few times and he spoke to me like never a day had passed. He was both entertaining and genuine!
I worked with Rick at Barker Road Middle School. He had THE BEST laugh! You would often walk by his room telling a story to his students in a very theatrical way and then get himself laughing so hard. We still talk about his laugh at school from time to time! I lived in Wellsville for a year and he always loved to chat with me about his hometown. He had a rough exterior, but a heart of gold and adored his family. My thoughts are with his family at this time. Rick was a great man who will sorely missed.
Rick was also a cherished teacher at Barker Road Middle School, in Pittsford, NY. His students revered him, he made Social Studies exciting and real for the students. His delightful sense of humor made both students and staff smile and chuckle. Those of us “younger” teachers saw him as a mentor, who could help revise a lesson or recommend how to handle a behavior problem. He loved being around the students and they would gather around him as he told his stories. I will miss his smile and his reassuring advice. The joy he spread was a gift to all who knew him.
He loved his family dearly and spoke often of them, so thankful and proud. My sincere condolence’s to Rick’s Family and to his Barker Road Family. We lost a legend.
Susie and family! So sorry for the loss of your husband! You are all in my thoughts and prayers! My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences always! Sending hugs and love to you! Love Darlene Rotunda
Dear Sue, I am so sorry to read this. Praying for you and your family. Love, Mary Lee
I taught in Pittsford with Rick for many years. Rick was a kind man who loved teaching his students and was excellent in his chosen profession. He was an extremely nice and giving man who had a great sense of humor and a great smile. It was a pleasure to know and work with him.