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Leslie Finley Obituary
Leslie Jay "Les" Finley, 69, died peacefully Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, at his home in Sarasota, Florida.
Les was born June 17, 1954, in Euclid, the son of Robert and Janet Finley. He was a proud Eagle Scout and member of the United Methodist community. Les graduated from Medina High School in 1972. He earned both his B.A. in Business Administration and M.A. in Education from Bowling Green State University. Les and Deborah K. Nettleton were married June 12, 1976, and shared their lives for 50 years.
As a long time resident of Findlay, Les worked as a Human Resources Director at Blanchard Valley Hospital and helped launch Birchaven Village. He continued to pursue his passions of education and teaching by becoming a Professor at Rhodes State College in Lima. Les retired from teaching in the winter of 2019 and moved to Sarasota, Florida, in 2020. While under the care of Moffit Cancer Center, Les continued to live his life as an educator by participating in their Sarcoma and Renal Cell Carcinoma research, as well as telling almost everyone he met to keep learning.
Les is survived by his loving wife, Deborah K. Nettleton Finley; daughters, Melissa Finley Russ (Joe Russ) of Sarasota, Florida, and Jennifer Finley Hoening (David Hoening); and grandchildren, Lilly, Cohen, and Weston Hoening of Hilliard.
A graveside service will be private for his family at New Pittsburg Cemetery in New Pittsburg, Ohio.
The Finley family became active members of The Sarasota Succulent Society and have helped rejuvenate the grounds and grow the volunteer and educational efforts. In lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to this historical gem.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Finley
4 Entries
DAMILARE OLALEYE
July 17, 2024
Rest in Peace professor Les Finlay. Professor Les Finlay had a big impact in my life when I was studying at Rhodes State College, Lima OH. In 2013 I arrived to the USA and my spoken English wasnt good because of my accent. One day during class presentation, I was struggling to speak English.. after class I went to meet the professor and he gave me a solid advice on how I can improve my English (he said listen and sign along to American music you will be better). Without professor Finlay, I wouldnt have known about the stock market, I remember him telling me that "You will retire sooner than expected if you keep it up with buying stocks." Thank you professor! After graduating from Rhodes State College and deciding on the University I wanted to continue my degree, I asked professor Finlay advice and I decided to attend BGSU. Thank you professor. While at BGSU I went back to Rhodes State to visit professor Finlay but he was in class, he then asked me to advice the students in class, and I did that with my well spoken English. Thank you professor. A very good man!! Rest easy sir.
Ken finley
December 14, 2023
The year had to be `bout 1962, Les had to spend a night in the woods, for one of his Cub Scout Merits, I was invited along ( not a Scout) & two of his buddies, a night in the Ohio woods , Summer , not a good idea! The Mosquitos ate us alive! I will zip my sleeping bag closed, keep `em out! Ha , they were buzzing around in the bag too! So let´s stand in the smoke of our camp fire, u can´t breathe in that smoke! When Daylight broke, we unpitched r tents , & made a Bee line 4 the house! Whew! I was in the Army, & never had a night compared to that . Funny now ,Also I grew up not that far from New Pittsburg Cemetery, Deb, sorry 4 your loss, Ken Finley (Cousin) Tulare California ken
Craig Alan Brown
December 12, 2023
We impacted so many Rhodes State College students together! Thanks for the most wonderful memories.....Rest in Peace my good friend!
Carolyn Hassan-Waldman
December 12, 2023
Deb I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts, prayers and hugs to you and yours.
Carolyn Hassan-Waldman
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