Earl Finch

On November 17, 2022, we lost our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Earl Hamilton Finch, affectionately known as “Finch” and “PopPop.”

Earl was born on June 9, 1944, to the late Florence and Hurie Finch in Henderson, North Carolina. There he attended Eden Johnson Elementary School until, at age 10, he accepted an
invitation from his sister, Laura Finch Williams Rand, to move to the Bronx, New York. He eagerly traded in days of sporadic schooling, necessitated by the cotton and tobacco fields’
promise of economic provision, for Laura’s exceedingly strict house rules, a daily paper route that carried him up and down steep flights of New York City tenement buildings, and a budding
love of music (most especially Doo Wop), reading (at the Honeywell Avenue Library), and culture (just a taste of Italian pizza and Jewish cheese blintzes, and a country boy became a
foodie)!

Earl developed a strength, determination, and curiosity that only increased as he matriculated through New York City public schools, including Public School (PS) 66, Herman Ridder Junior
High School (PS 98), and James Monroe High School. He completed his education with a degree in pharmacy from Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1968, while working 40
hours per week at Peoples Drug Store, currently CVS. 

Earl met the love of his life, Verna Mae Wynn, during his college years, and they married August 2, 1969. He remained a devoted husband to his “Sweetness” until widowed in 2005. Their union produced one child, Edral Laurita, whom he loving called “Deuce.”

Earl’s professional accomplishments include working for over 45 years as a pharmacist at Peoples, Georgetown University Hospital, and the VA Medical Center. Notably, Earl was the
first African American pharmacist hired by Georgetown, and there he excelled becoming Head Pharmacist, and later Assistant Director of Pharmacy during his 25-year tenure there.

Earl was a man of strong faith, which he demonstrated through his actions. He would undoubtedly claim devotion to family as his most important accomplishment. However, once he
became a PopPop in 2009, all other roles paled in comparison. He accepted it as a responsibility which he took SERIOUSLY, calling grandsons Nathanial and Matthias, his LEGACY!

Earl leaves to cherish a lifetime of wonderful memories: Daughter, Edral Laurita Finch Clarke, Son-in-law Wesley L. Clarke, Grandsons Nathanial Vernon Clarke, and Matthias Hamilton
Clarke, of Ellicott City, Maryland, Brothers, Ronald Finch and James Finch, Sisters, Patricia Harris, and Lucile Harris, Sisters-in-law Jessie M. Finch, Juanita Toney, Jacine Wynn, Bernice
Wynn, Linda Wynn, and Shirl Wynn, Brothers-in-law Henry D. Toney, Gregory Wynn, Wilbur Wynn, nephews, Geoffrey Donnell Finch, Gary Winslow, Carlton Winslow, nieces Patrice Wynn,
Ashley Toney, Thomasina Winslow, Wenona Wynn, and a host of cousins, extended family and friends.

The service will be private but live stream will be available. 

COVID PROTOCOL: 

Masks are required. Each adult will need to sign a COVID Waiver Form affirming they have not had any COVID related symptoms. 

To view the LIVE STREAM: At the time of service a box will appear under the obituary. Press the play icon to join. *Please note if the live broadcast does not begin at posted time, you are in the right place, there may be a brief delay*

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