Stanley Melvin Finger

Stanley Melvin Finger, 79, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, passed away on September 8, 2026. Born on February 16, 1947, in The Bronx, New York, Stanley lived a full life marked by intellectual curiosity, service to his community, and devotion to his family.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 56 years, Shelley Finger; his daughters, Stacey Charouhis (Steve) and Jennifer Nitkin (Adam); and his beloved grandson, Jeremy. He was also a special uncle to several nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.

Stan earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and built a distinguished career as a civilian employee with the U.S. Navy and later the Department of Defense. He went on to serve as an expert witness for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in numerous environmental engineering cases, lending his expertise to matters of public importance. He also taught engineering students at Catholic University and Johns Hopkins University, where he shared his knowledge and passion for the field with the next generation.

He was deeply committed to community service, serving as Chairman of the Board and long-time Vice Chairman of the Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), now known as the Autoimmune Association, where he was highly recognized for his advocacy and worked to advance awareness and support for those affected by autoimmune disease. This cause was close to his heart, as several members of his own family live with autoimmune diseases, and he was passionately devoted to advancing research and education in the field.

Outside of his professional and community life, Stan found joy in the simple pleasures — riding his bike around the neighborhood and capturing the beauty of nature through photography. His photographs can be found throughout the walls of their home, bringing them to life with the beauty he saw in the world. These quiet moments reflected his appreciation for the world around him and his easygoing, curious spirit.

Stan will be remembered for the warmth he brought to every relationship and the love he poured into his family. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Traditions at Fort Mill, 1065 Traditions Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715.

Please RSVP for entry as venue has a security gate.

Contact Jennifer at [email protected] or (919) 413-6201, or Stacey at [email protected] or (703) 862-0620.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stanley's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Special Olympics.