Daniel R. Finger, 65, died on June 5, 2016 at Community Hospice at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida, the same hospital where he met his beloved wife, Toni Veshosky, 36 years ago.
He was born on March 15, 1951 to Harold and Roberta (Stanes) Finger in Buffalo, New York.
Dan earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a master's in Public Administration. He began a lifelong career in the law enforcement/security field as a police officer in the Village of Hamburg, NY and later in Aurora, CO. He then worked security for Amtrack and various healthcare facilities over a span of 30 years, eventually starting his own security consulting company. From a young age, Dan discovered a love of trains; a passion that he happily shared with his son, Adam. Together they would go train bumming, photographing engines and working on train layouts in all six homes they would eventually live in.
Dan felt a deep connection to Native American culture and enjoyed traveling around to various gatherings. He loved visiting Pow Wows, Craft Shows and Farmers Market and always made sure to have small bills on him for his purchases; a carryover from his early days as an egg carrier and his frustrations at having to make change for larger bills. Dan had the wonderful ability to truly listen to others and offer support or a sympathetic ear. He used that gift volunteering at neighborhood youth centers and later as a substitute teacher at Bishop Snyder Catholic High School. At what was perhaps his most loved job, he was favorite among the students there as someone to go to for advice or encouragement. He was greatly loved by his students.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David, who was killed in the Vietnam War. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas (Stacy), and his sister, Karen Murrett (James). He is also survived by his devoted wife, Toni, and his son, Adam, his greatest accomplishment of all. Dan will always be cherished as a wonderful husband and father.