Joseph A. Finley

Joseph A. Finley age 72 passed away August 31, 2021.  Joe graduated from Central Hower High School in 1967.  Enlisted in the United States Navy from 1967 – 1971.  He served two tours in Vietnam on the USS Oriskany (The Mighty “O” and the last of the wooden flight decks), reached the rank of E-4/Petty Officer Third Class, and was honorably discharged.  He graduated from the University of Akron and molded minds as a history and English teacher for several schools within the Akron Public School System.  Joe stepped up and was voted in as the Union Rep for Goodyear Middle School for several years, later he ran for Ward II Councilman and was voted in for 2 consecutive terms.  He loved the city and its local politics so much; he became a mayoral candidate to further his vision for Akron and to greater serve the city and community that he loved.

He was remembered most for his love of family – politics – the civil war – JFK – Abraham Lincoln – Don McLean – Cat Stevens – Sweet Baby James, his warm smile, quick witty humor, innocent fun nicknames (jive turkey, blood, you right…you ugly but you right) and respect for all those he came across…but, mostly the numerous sacrifices he made for his wife and children.  His former students would love to call out his name in public, so anxious to share their memories of him as their teacher.  Joe was also very proud of his 38 years of sobriety…we his immediate family were only too happy and awestruck as the direct recipients of the wonders of its results and his dedication to such an incredible program.

Joe is survived by his beautiful loving wife of 49 years, Alexis; 9 children, Joseph Jonathan, Melissa (Adam), Danny (Kate), Kathy (Shawn), Moira, Andrew (Katherine), Karl, Bobby (Cassie), and Eva; grandchildren, Gavin, 16 and Chloe, 14 (their mother Erica), Naila 11 and Max 10, Graham 8, Simon 6, Isla 4, Emerson 4, and Harlow 1;  siblings, Jim, Dave, Jan (Tom Maxwell), Patrick (Christine), and Kenny; brother-in-law, Tom;  and sister/brother-in-law, Paula (Ron) Stuecher.

Joe is preceded by parents Robert J. and Mary M.; father/mother-in-law, Karl and Mary Angeloff; sister-in-law, Maureen Finley; and brother/sister-in-law, Alexander (Judy) Angeloff.

Please respect our family’s request for privacy while we deal with these heavy burdens…all services will be kept private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).  Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family online at www.paqueletfalk.com.

“All the times that I cried,
Keeping all the things I knew inside
It’s hard, but it’s harder to ignore it
If they were right, I’d agree, but it’s them they know not me
Now there’s a way and I know that I have to go away
I know I have to go.”  – Cat Stevens