Bruce N. Finkle

Attorney Bruce N. Finkle, Age 64, passed away suddenly on January 3, 2013. Bruce was born in Lynn, Massachusetts to Samuel and Mildred Finkle. He was raised in Bethlehem, New Hampshire and Swampscott, Massachusetts. Bruce’s childhood was shared with two siblings; Joseph and Ellen, and numerous close extended family members. Bruce was an adventurer. He collected small creatures in his socks and rescued injured animals to bring home to his mother’s chagrin. He was sprayed by skunks twice in his adventures. He excelled in the Boy Scouts of America; nearly earning his Eagle Scout had it not been for the strangest of all eye injuries. In the Boy Scouts he learned to always be prepared and the importance of “having the right tool for the job.” He rode his Honda 50 motorbike over the nearby golf course, and zipped down the steepest hill in his neighborhood on his handmade skateboard across the main road in Swampscott. As a teenager, Bruce loved surfing, and would chase the waves from beach to beach in his Austin Healey Sprite. He often skin-dove under the wharf on Fisherman’s Beach to pat the Nurse Sharks. Bruce learned the value of living life to the fullest each day.

Bruce attended Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH, participated on the Ski Team, and worked at the Eastern Slope Inn. Bruce attended Otterbein College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. He also spent time abroad in Switzerland and traveled Europe. Bruce’s career began as a teacher; first at Brewster Academy. He furthered his passion in teaching by attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; earning a Masters of Education in Reading and Learning Disabilities. He then worked as a traveling teacher of special needs students in northern NH. Bruce also worked as an Administrator within the Baker Memorial Building at Massachusetts General Hospital. Soon thereafter, Bruce received the first love of his life; his daughter Joanna Colls Finkle. Then Bruce discovered Law. He attended Suffolk University Law School, earning a Juris Doctorate. Bruce was licensed to practice law in the State of New Hampshire, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit, U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts, U.S. District Court District of New Hampshire, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Bruce sat as the President of the Northern Middlesex Bar Association. Attorney Finkle had the opportunity to present a winning argument before the justices of the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Bruce founded his own law practice and specialized in Trusts and Estate Planning, Elder Law, Business Law, Real Estate, Contract Law, Corporations and Limited Liability Companies and Commercial Law. Bruce endeavored in his practice to make difficult legal concepts easily understood and beneficial in the lives of his clients. Bruce was a generous and giving man; both of his time and knowledge to those in need. Bruce was a strong supporter of the U.S. Constitution and individual rights, the “American Dream”, and actively participated in political process.

Bruce strongly believed in the importance of family. In 1989, Bruce was introduced to the next love of his life: Diane. Together, Bruce and Diane shared a bond beyond words. With Diane, Bruce openly accepted into his heart a son: Joseph.

Bruce pursued many passions, including: reading, cooking, ocean fishing, and every gadget possible. He treasured nothing more than a cool seat on his porch overlooking Casco Bay Maine; the harbor buoy ringing in the distance; a good tune in the air; a finger of good rum in one hand; a fine cigar in the other; his dog Maximus by his foot; his wife by his side; and family and friends close at hand to enjoy the moment. Bruce truly lived to live life.

Bruce is survived by his wife Diane Finkle, his mother Mildred Finkle, his daughter Joanna Colls Finkle, his step-son Joseph A. Foistner II, Esq., his sister Ellen Hubbard (Finkle), and numerous beloved extended family members.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the MGH Stem Cell Transplant Discovery Fund,

C/o Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Cox 106, MGH, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114.

A private service is being planned for a later date with the Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, #10 Vinnin Street, Salem, MA 01970. http://www.stanetsky.com/ (781) 581-2300.