Rev. Andrew R. Finger

Lutheran Minister, Community Leader

Assured of the love of his family and friends, Andrew R. Finger of South Portland, formerly of Framingham, MA died on Wednesday, December 17th. He was 87.

Born September 26, 1927 in Flushing, New York, he was the son of (William) Frank Sr. and Madeline Anna (Neumann) Finger. He was preceded in death on March 22,1996 by his most beloved wife Marion Elise (Schwolert) Finger, and on April 10, 2012 by his brother (William) Frank (Bud) Finger Jr. He spent summers working a farm in Auburn, NY and worked the family-owned carnation greenhouses in Bayside, NY during the school year.

Pastor Finger attended Concordia College, Bronxville, NY and graduated in 1952 from the Theological Seminary in Springfield, IL. He served as a missionary in the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, West Africa until August 1956. He was founding minister of the Lutheran Church of Framingham (LCF) in Framingham, MA from 1956 to 1991 and later bestowed there as Pastor Emeritus. While at LCF he founded or contributed to a number of community, church, family therapy and social agencies. With the LCF youth, he organized the first Boston Hike for the Hungry.

For well over a decade he impacted lives as Protestant Chaplain at Shirley and Lancaster juvenile detention centers as Protestant Chaplain and as Deputy Probation Officer at the Juvenile session of the First District Court, Framingham. At his retirement the judge summarized what became evident to all - “your true dedication in helping those less fortunate, your concern, genuineness and wise counseling has earned the love and respect of not only the Justices, but all the court personnel. We truly have been blessed by your presence here…” During his ministry he also served as Protestant Chaplain at Framingham Union Hospital, spreading his certain joy to just about anyone he met.

After retiring to South Portland in 1991, the inseparable Andrew and Marion, enjoyed five years filled with family visits, Caribbean getaways, walks on the beach, nights at the Portland Symphony and various social and church work. After Marion’s death Andrew joined Lifeline’s Bodyshop, where a fun, smart and diverse group of friends brightened his every day for many years to come. He also enjoyed spending time with his kids and their families, reading, gardening, and trying anything once through community ed. classes ranging from Reiki to Spanish.

He is survived by his children Elise Smith and husband Richard of Markleville, Indiana, Andrea Ting and husband Dennis of Groton, Massachusetts, Paul Finger of Aspen, Colorado, Laura McCabe and husband Michael of Pelham, New Hampshire and Janice Albert and husband Eric of Scarborough, Maine; his sister Madeline Warren; his beloved grandchildren Jarrett, Craig, Kevin, Adam, Lindsey, Leslie, Samantha and Lucas; his great-grandchildren Victoria, Autumn and Nolan, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Andrew's life will be held on Monday, December 22 at 12:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 132 Auburn Street, Portland, Maine. A private burial will be held at a future date. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, friends and family may honor his memory by sharing stories and time with loved ones during this Christmas season and beyond. Donations may also be made in his name to a charity of your choice, or to Preble Street, 38 Preble Street, Portland, ME 04101, preblestreet.org. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland.