OBITUARY
Leo Finkelstein Jr.
August 24, 1946 – October 16, 2020
Dr. Leo Finkelstein, Jr., 74, of Beavercreek, OH, passed away on October 16, 2020, after an extended illness.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Sylvia and Leo, Sr.; and sister, Patti. Family he leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 51 years, Phyllis; son, Stephen; daughter-in-law, Megan; grandson, Jaxon; as well as other family and friends.
Leo was born in Asheville, NC on August 24th, 1946. He graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School and continued on to receive a B.A. in Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures from the University of North Carolina; an M.A in Speech and Theatre from the University of Tennessee; and a Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetoric from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
A Vietnam War veteran, Leo served 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He subsequently spent 26 years as a Senior Lecturer at Wright State University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, authoring several textbooks during that time. He enjoyed ham radio, electronics, photography, and travel.
A private service will be held at David’s Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by signing the guestbook at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the James and Sharon Brandeberry Endowed Scholarship Fund at https://engineering-computer-science.wright.edu/about/give-to-the-college
Services
Private Graveside Services
Memories
Leo Finkelstein Jr.
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJennings Mace
October 26, 2020
I'll always link my memories of Leo to the laughter we shared at the USAFA English Department and on the Executive Writing trips. He was an interested, lively companion . . . with a streak of irreverence. . .and he seemed to know something about everything. I will certainly never forget him. Condolences to Phyllis, Stephen, Megan, and Jaxson.
Brian Rigling
October 26, 2020
On behalf of Wright State's College of Engineering and Computer Science, I offer condolences to Dr. Finkelstein's family and friends. He made many contributions and positively impacted countless students during his 26 years at Wright State. He is remembered fondly by his colleagues and will be missed. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Sincerely,
Brian Rigling
Professor and Dean
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Wright State University.
Al & Donna Hansen
October 24, 2020
We were blessed and thankful to have shared part of Leo's life while in Dayton. His thoughtfulness and humor made our life a blessing. We are grateful for his military service and love of family and friends and thankful for our memories.
General Al & Donna Hansen
Jane Gulley
October 21, 2020
To Dr. Finkelstein’s family and friends--
On behalf of the University of Tennessee, please accept our condolences on the passing of Dr. Leo Finkelstein Jr, our graduate and a member of the Volunteer family.
We are sorry for your loss, and we remember with thanks his years of loyal support for his alma mater.
Sincerely yours,
Jane Gulley
Stewardship--UT Foundation
Knoxville, Tennessee jgulley2@tennessee.edu
Sam Long Long
October 20, 2020
Leo and I were classmates at UNC-Chapel Hill; we were good friends. I'm very sorry to learn he has passed away. My condolences to his family.
Jo Smith
October 20, 2020
My warmest condolences to sweet Phyllis & family. I had the pleasure of working with Leo in the AFLC command section over 30 years ago. He became a good friend and years later after we both retired, my husband and I would run into him and Phyllis having ice cream at Friendly's on a hot summer afternoon. Phyllis, perhaps Leo and Charlie will find each other at a Heavenly ice cream shop!
Marie Nahikian
October 20, 2020
When you leave high school in 1964, there are many you do not remember. Leo Finkelstein was a classmate I remember so well. Smart, straight forward and with a sense of humor that was sometimes a surprise. I can only imagine how incredulous his students must have been to enjoy learning from such a person. I wish I had known he was at Wright State...my brother-in-law, Gerald Nelms, also a UNC grad only recently retired as a professor who managed the writing center. I am sure that we would have enjoyed knowing each other beyond the years at Lee Edwards.
Regards,
Marie Nahikian
(https://www.theusablepast.com)
Tom Sudkamp
October 20, 2020
Always a twinkle in his eyes, a smile for friends, and joke about the events of the day, Leo made the fourth floor of Russ Engineering a great place to spend many years. His friendship was a treasure.
Phyllis and Stephen, I hope the memories of an extraordinary person help to console you now and bring you peace in the future.
Tom Sudkamp
Anne Putnam Hutzel
October 20, 2020
I grew up in the home below Leo's grandmother's. When Leo was visiting, Mrs. Finkelstein would invite us neighborhood kids to enjoy lemonade and cookies. Leo was a part of my bother Jerry's and my youth. We were also together at Lee Edwards when we were in high school. I'm grateful for my memories of him and his family.
Laurel Mayer
October 20, 2020
I had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Finkelstein when we both were on the AFLC staff. He was brilliant, and it was always enlightening to discuss issues with him. My condolences to his family
JAMES MULLINS
October 19, 2020
I was extremely saddened by the news of Leo's passing. He was a special man, husband and father and a dear friend.
The nation he served so well will forever be in his debt and I know that the many associates with whom he served join me in honoring his memory.
Jim Gallagher
October 18, 2020
I first met Leo when he became Gen. James Mullins, USAF, research assistant and speech writer nearly 40 years ago. I was a senior civilian on the staff at AFLC headquarters and quickly bonded with Leo. Mullins was one of the most brilliant generals and people I have ever know, and it took someone special to keep up with him in such a demanding role--and that was Leo.
Leo and I remained friends over the years. When I retired in 1986, I bought my first personal computer, and it was a Mac, thanks to the example that Leo set. In fact, he helped me develop the specific requirement and configuration and came over to the house to help me set it up.
My second career was as Wright State University, and, of course, I stayed in touch with Leo, even during his short remote assignment and return to Dayton. When it came time for Leo to retire, I helped get him introduced to the right folks at WSU, and he had a second, successful career there.
We stayed in touch over the years, not so often in the last few years. The last times I saw him were at Trader Joe's in Kettering, a few times with Phylis and the last time--about 6 months or so ago--it was in the parking lot and he had an aide of some sort with him. I could tell he was having some personal challenges, yet he recognized my face, and we exchanged some memories of our days together.
I was saddened to learn of Leo's death--he was a great person, and a dear friend and colleague.
May Leo Finkelstein rest in peace.
John Calder
October 18, 2020
In 1952 my family moved across the street from Leo in Asheville, NC and Leo and I became best friends and remained best friends all throughout high school. I was his best man when he married Phyllis.
It is heart breaking that he is gone. My prayers are with Phyllis, Steven and family.
Phyllis kept me informed of Leo’s illness and she remained so strong while talking with her. We shared so many stories about Leo. It was a honor knowing him and envious of all that he accomplished in his life. He will stay, with his family, in my prayers.
Naomi and Ron Levine
October 18, 2020
So sad and so sorry to hear this news. Hoping that you, Phyllis, Stephen and all of Leo's family find comfort in remembering all the wonderful times you shared together. May all his adventures, travels and smiles inspire you always and may you find peace in your heart and the love of family and friends.
Rosella Wimsatt
October 18, 2020
Loved his stories about the nuns. We graduated in 1964! Great story teller!
Bill Newmiller
October 18, 2020
Oh Leo. It's been four decades since we built my first (and your second) computer together. I'm ever grateful for all I learned from you and for those few short years when you and Phyllis and Stephen (and Bear) lived just down the hill from us in Douglass Valley. Such good times.
May your family find comfort in all the memories.
Hugh & Mary Burns
October 18, 2020
In deepest sympathy, our Air Force Academy DFENG family will never forget Leo’s leadership, intelligence, humor, and generosity. Phyllis, we love you. Missing my friend, L$.
Connie Weber
October 18, 2020
To Phyllis & family. We were saddened to read of Leo’s passing in today’s DDN . I didn’t know Leo well, but being a good friend of Phyllis, his loving wife, I learned of him & many of his awesome accomplishments. Don & I send sincere thoughts that his memory & family values will always be foremost in your minds. You will always have those great memories of your husband, Father, & Grandfather. Sending hugs & love to all of you.
Cody Wopshall
October 18, 2020
My time spent with Leo, was an honor and a privilege.
He challenged me in ways I never could predict, but I am so glad to have known him.
His charm, wit and cunning ability to outsmart me and throw curve balls, even towards the very end. I will never forget.
He was truly a unique and incredible human being.
To the family:
I offer my condolences.
But know that he shined bright.
And I am grateful to have served him.
Cindy Oakley
October 17, 2020
There were so many things that made working with Dr. Finkelstein unique and working with him for eighteen years, my memories are full. As I reflect on all the conversations I had with Leo, both the hysterically funny ones and the wise and thoughtful ones, I would like his family to know that he loved you so very much and spoke of you so often that I feel that I know you well. You were his everything. May God comfort you today and always.