By Staff
Charles J. 'Pete' Finch, 91, of North 10th Street, Niles, died at 7:43 a.m. Sunday, July 13, 2008, at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, following a brief illness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Niles by the Rev. David Otto, pastor.
Committal rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Niles and will conclude with the Veterans' Flag Presentation and Taps by American Legion Post No. 26, in Niles.
The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at the church.
He was born on July 31, 1916, in South Bend, Ind. and lived in Niles most of his life.
He graduated from Niles High School and was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army.
He was first employed by the City of Niles Police Department as an officer. He then began a career with the State of Michigan Secretary of State, eventually managing the Niles branch license bureau. He retired from the state after more than 50 years of service.
He was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Niles. He also served as an appointed member of the city's cemetery board and public safety board.
He enjoyed regular trips to Mackinac Island with his family and maintaining the appearance of his home and yard.
On Aug. 21, 1943, in Lansing, he married the former Eleanor E. Robbins, who preceded him in death on Aug. 11, 1999.
He also also preceded in death by their son, Michael C. Finch on Jan. 16, 2006 and by four sisters, Virginia Stark, Tormey Dooling, Gertrude Dooling and Dolly Dooling.
He is survived by two sons, Brian C. Finch and Craig A. Finch, both of Niles.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice.
Arrangements were by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.