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BORN
1945
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Phillip Finch Obituary
Phillip Finch, 79, passed away on May 27, 2025, in Brick Township, New Jersey. Born on September 11, 1945, in Newkirk, Oklahoma, Phillip lived a life defined by service, resilience, and compassion.
Raised in a military family, Phillip and his twin brother John shared a deep commitment to their country. Together, they enlisted in the United States Army and served with distinction in the prestigious Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps. The tragic loss of his brother during the Vietnam War left an indelible mark on Phillip’s life. He carried John's memory with him always, honoring his legacy through continued service and dedication.
Phillip later joined the United States Navy, where he served aboard the USS Forrestal and USS Butte ultimately retiring after 20 collective years of honorable service. His military career reflected not only his patriotism but also his steadfast sense of duty.
After retiring from active duty, Phillip remained deeply involved in supporting fellow veterans. Drawing from personal experience and a profound sense of empathy, he became a tireless advocate for veterans’ rights and access to benefits. His efforts made a meaningful difference in the lives of many who had served.
Phillip was known for his unwavering generosity and willingness to help others. Whether offering support to family members or extending kindness to acquaintances and strangers alike, he gave freely of himself without hesitation.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife Roberta; son Joshua and daughter-in-law Michelle; grandson Jacob; daughter Bobbie Graber and son-in-law Roy; grandsons Scot, Taylor, and Logan; son John and granddaughter Heather; and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Maxine Finch, as well as his twin brother John.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on June 4, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 2170 Highway 88 in Brick, NJ. A short service will take place at 5:00 PM. Military honors will be rendered on June 5, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 12:45 PM at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road in Wrightstown, NJ. Attendees are kindly asked to arrive promptly between 12:00 PM and 12:15 PM in order to participate.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Finch
Jack Chomko
December 16, 2025
It's been more than 60 years since we served together. You were the last person from the unit that I had any contact with. I just found out you were gone. You'll be missed.
Edward C Ammann
June 5, 2025
I new you for years and the things we done together with VVA Chapter.A good friend and Vietnam Brother Rest In Peace.
John Norkevich
June 3, 2025
I had the honor of working with Phil for a number of years. I gained a deep respect for his honesty, work ethic and humanity. I will always remember my friend Phil as one of the best.
Marilyn & Larry Tretola
June 2, 2025
Bert, Phil will be forever remembered and deeply missed. It is with a heavy heart that I ask that you accept our sincere sympathies. When someone as special as Phil dies, the grief feels and is unbearable. Just know that his legacy will live on through the many lives that he has touched. All our love, Marilyn and Larry.
How you can show support
Jim & Nadine Harris
June 2, 2025
Phil and Roberta were close friends. We truly loved Phil. He was a thoughtful caring guy to everyone and loved his country. He never stopped serving while in service and after his retirement. His family, His wife, Roberta and his son Joshua meant the world to him. And we are honored to have been close friends and the great times we spent together. RIP Phil
robert Bartoszek
June 1, 2025
RIP ❤ You were the one who thought me to never have a bagel and cream cheese without salt and pepper. You will be missed
Jim Graham
June 1, 2025
I was friends with Phil and his brother John at Westover AFB CHICOPEE MASSACHUSETTS. R.H.I.P
Jim Horgan
June 1, 2025
Karen and I shared many memories with Phil and Bert. I only hope that his loss will be easier on the family knowing that many of us are sharing those feelings.
I am proud to have served along side Phil on the USS Forrestal. He was an excellent shipmate. a life long friend and like a family member. He is going to be dearly missed. May he enjoy fair winds and following seas on his eternal voyage.
Albert & Debra Nitto
June 1, 2025
Dear Phil, we cherished our decades long friendship. You will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace.
The Nitto Family
Mary Geis
June 1, 2025
Phillip was a special cousin of mine will miss him.
Connie and Tim Castanera Harrison
June 1, 2025
We were blessed to know Phil. We loved how he honored veterans by his unwavering support. Phil will be missed for sure.
LeeRoy Howard
June 1, 2025
Served with Phillip on the USS Butte until his retirement.
Margie Gobble
June 1, 2025
Our condolences to the entire Finch family. What an honorable man the world has lost. May he rest in peace. May those left behind find comfort in the knowledge that he will be remembered for his service to our country.
Linda cross
June 1, 2025
Phil was a wonderful man and friend. Dick and I had so many lovely memories of him and Berta, Especially the Old Guard reunions!. He will be missed. Linda
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