Angelo T. Finocchio Obituary (2020)

Angelo "Tony" Finocchio of Paul's Run Retirement Community sadly passed on May 19, 2020 at the age of 88. Angelo was one of five children born to Bernardo and Michelina Finocchio in South Philadelphia on 11/6/1932. He resided for part of his childhood at St John's Orphanage in West Philadelphia where the Catholic nuns educated him. Leaving St John's at the end of the seventh grade, his formal education stopped temporarily. A stint in the Naval Reserves bought a GE diploma, and deployment on the submarine Diablo rounded out his love of all things mechanical. The experience would suit him well for a long career as Chief Engineer at many industrial laundry plants in the Philadelphia area. Later in life, Angelo partnered with a friend and started a business called Reclamizer. It was challenging but successful and carried him into his retirement years. With time on his hands, Angelo volunteered as a caretaker and tour guide on the floating museums at Penn's Landing: the Spanish American era warship Olympia, and the WW2 era submarine Becuna. He was passionate about restoring the valves, periscopes and lighting systems to working condition, but mostly loved his interactions with schoolchildren, tourists, and his fellow volunteers: Jesse, Carl, Bob and others. Angelo was the most dedicated of husbands and caregiver to his wife Josephine "Ruth" Finocchio, setting an example for many who would admire his long-standing devotion to her. They were married sixty years. He was especially proud of his four children: Eileen (Rick), Carol, Richard (Lonni) and Tom (Liz); and his eight grandchildren: Greg, Jackie, Diane, Denise, Dan, Matt (Nancy), Brittany and Angelo; and great-grandchildren: Van, Paige and Emmie. He was preceded in death by his sisters Marie and Phyllis, and brother Vincent; his loving brother Nick survives him. Known to his many friends and relatives for his quick wit, intelligence and dependability, he was also a faith-filled man and accepted his trials in life as part of Gods' will. He will be greatly missed by all. Due to the limitations currently in place in the State of Pennsylvania, a gravesite service is set for Friday May 22, 2020. It will be limited to immediate family members only. A Catholic Mass followed by a memorial luncheon will be held sometime in August, conditions permitting. Please return to this web site for future information. Donations in Angelo's memory can be made to the Paul's Run Retirement Community Benevolent Fund: 9896 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia PA. 19115 (215-934-3000)