Joseph Andrew Finch

Joseph Andrew Finch, 74, a retired Army major and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, died of cancer on September 1 at Fairfax Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1939, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957 and graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1965. Over the course of his distinguished career, he received numerous medals including the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal. Major Finch served two tours in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division and was also stationed in Germany, Norway and Army posts in the United States. Major Finch retired from the Army in 1977 and started a twenty year career with United Services Life Insurance Company in Arlington, VA. Major Finch was an active member of the Springfield community. He attended St. Bernadette’s Church and was energetically involved at the American Legion Post 176 for over 24 years, where he was the Chair of the Post’s blood drives and other community activities. In 2009 he received the Legionnaire-of-the-Year award for his meritorious service. Major Finch, known as “Opa” to many, enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, and doing yard work. He was always quick to lend a smile and a helping hand. He was loved and respected by many and will be sorely missed by those who knew him. Major Finch is survived by his wife, Sieglinde of 54 years, his daughters Maureen (Jim) Gibson and Susan (Robbie) Finch, his granddaughters Christene (Jay) Benfield and Alexis Norton, his brothers Herbert and Raymond Finch, and his great-grandson William Joseph. He was preceded in death by his daughter Silvia Rivas and brother William Finch. The viewing is scheduled on Friday, September 6 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Springfield, VA on Saturday, September 7 at 1pm. Major Finch will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to the American Red Cross.