Joseph S. Finch

Joseph S. Finch, Jr. died peacefully on June 24, 2025 at Wilmington Hospital. He was born in January of 1930 in New Kensington, PA, the son of Joseph S. and Irene Finch (nee Ferguson).

He graduated from the Valley Forge Military Academy in 1948 and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1952. He and the love of his life, Ann Marie Stefanowicz were married in April 1953, and he served as an infantry 1^st Lieutenant toward the end of the Korean War.

After a stint in Philadelphia banking, Joe joined the finance department of the DuPont Company in late 1956. Over the years he served in various financial functions including, General Credit Manager, Latin American Financial Director, as an Assistant Treasurer, and as an Assistant Controller.

He left DuPont in 1987 to become the Financial Director of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington until 1993.

During his career, Joe was a member of several professional organizations, including the Business Advisory Council on Federal Reports, the Financial Executive Institute’s Committee on Government Liaison, The National Association of Accountants, and the Private Sector Council of Washington, DC.

He was secretary and member of the Board of Governors of the DuPont Country Club, a member of the Wilmington Country Club, an active member of St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, past parish council member and coordinator for the parish’s special ministers of the Eucharist.

Joe and Ann Marie enjoyed traveling extensively for both his work and pleasure. He was predeceased by his parents and three sisters. He is survived by his wife and his nieces and nephews.

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Funeral Services

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph on the Brandywine in Greenville, DE at 10:30am on July 17^th. A visitation will be held prior, beginning at 9:30am. Burial will be private.

Condolences

David Cress writes,

I extend my condolences to the family. I worked in an accounting section at DuPont where Joe was the divisional Director. I knew him as a soft-spoken and kind man.

06/28/2025 02:26 pm

Harry Egner Jr. writes,

I was blessed to have him as my Godfather. He was such a kind and warm gentleman who was always generous with his time and talents. He sparked a romantic view of travel in regaling adventure upon adventure to all he encountered. He beamed with joy, pride, and happiness whenever he was next to his beloved wife, Ann Marie. He has been a tremendous role model for me in being a conscientious man for others.

06/30/2025 03:55 pm

fr joe mcmahon writes,

Ann Marie, I will offer Mass for a truly remarkable man, one of the good guys! I am pretty much confined these days or I would be with you st joes peace in the hope of eternal life!

06/30/2025 04:07 pm

Deanna Principe writes,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Finch’s passing. I had the privilege of visiting with him and Mrs. Finch several times to share updates from Nativity Preparatory School, where they have been generous supporters since the school’s founding in 2003. Our conversations often turned to fond memories of his time at Penn, and I’ll always remember how delighted he was when I brought along a photo from his student days—it was a joy to see him relive those moments. Mr. Finch’s kindness, warmth, and enduring commitment to education and community will be remembered by all of us at Nativity. My heartfelt condolences go out to Mrs. Finch, their family, and friends during this difficult time. —Deanna Principe

07/01/2025 12:26 pm

Claire Shields Davidson writes,

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Finch in the credit division of the DuPont Company in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He was a true gentleman and always so kind. I’m sorry to read of his passing. A life well lived.

07/03/2025 06:40 pm

David & Gail OFlynn writes,

I've known Joe all my life - he and Ann Marie were close friends of my parents. I caddied for him numerous times at Wilmington Country Club and broke bread with them many many times growing up. He was a wonderful, gentle, and fun man. We reconnected with Joe and Ann Marie when we moved back up to Wilmington in 2020 - at Mass at St. Joseph's. What fun it was to see him after so many years! We know he will be missed in this life but he he surely with God. Our deepest condolences and prayers for Ann Marie and family.

07/04/2025 04:42 pm

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