"The world is no place for a person like me, it’s a judgmental society, seemingly free." -Karl David Finley, (Twizted Perspective, Chronic Rock)
Karl David Finley came into the world on June 1st, 1988 to his overjoyed and proud parents, Joseph and Alexis. He was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and attended grade school at Annunciation St. John’s. Upon graduation from St. Vincent St. Mary’s High School in 2006, he enlisted in The United States Air Force, where he proudly gave 11 years of service to his country. After boot camp, Karl attended Vehicle & Vehicular Equipment Maintenance School (AFSC/2T371) and reached the rank of SSgt. He was stationed at Rickenbacker AF Base in Ohio, and later Eglin AF Base in Florida, and was deployed twice, once in Afghanistan and once in Qatar.
The seventh of nine children, Karl was the middle guy of the “Three Musketeers,” or "the boys," (Andrew, Karl, Bobby) who spent every second together. “Bunga” or "Karlbunga" (so called for his love of the Ninja Turtles) and the other two Musketeers were a constant presence around the neighborhood, either hacky sacking, skateboarding, or freestylin’. Karl grew up hearing his father’s Navy experience. He saw his older siblings join the military and heard all of their stories. From his oldest brother, Jonathan, who joined the Marines and the Air Force, followed by Daniel, Moira, and Andrew who joined the Air Force and his younger, baby brother Bobby, who followed him in joining the Air Force. Karl Finley will be proudly buried in his Air Force blues.
Karl's beautiful smile lit up the room. His quick wit and innate ability to do great impressions would draw in anyone within sight or earshot. To know him was to know his passions; family, music, comedy, long meaningful conversations, and Cleveland sports, especially the Browns. Karl was smart (which only enhanced his wit), handsome, charming, and a generous free spirit. He was fast to forgive, loyal to a fault, and wanted to be accepted by everyone. Karl loved entertaining. He was a singer, songwriter, and producer, and he was happiest when in the creative flow with his musical partner, guitarist Sam Seem. Nothing made him prouder than when their album Twizted Perspective was accepted to be streamed on Spotify. Karl Finley was loved by so many. He was a gentle, kind-hearted, great man, who was taken too soon and will be missed by many. He has left us the gift of his music and videos to keep his legacy alive.
Karl is survived by his proud and loving mother Alexis, his 8 siblings: Joseph Jonathan, Melissa (Adam), Daniel (Kate), Kathy (Shawn), Moira, Andrew (Katherine), Bobby (Cassie), and Eva. Nieces and nephews: Gavin and Chloe (Erica), Niala and Max, Graham, Simon, Isla, Emerson, and Harlow. Karl’s Aunts and Uncles: Tom Angeloff, Paula (Ron) Stuecher, James Finley, Dave Finley, Jan (Tom) Maxwell, Patrick (Christine) Finley, and Kenny Finley. He will be missed by his many cousins, with whom he grew up and loved dearly. Karl is preceded by his father, Joseph A. Finley, his Uncle Alex (Judy) Angeloff, and his Aunt Maureen Finley.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.stackup.org/donate or donate.psycharmor.org. Two organizations “Fiercely committed to educating the civilian community about military culture, and offering resources to veterans affected by PTSD, anxiety, and depression.”
Calling hours will be on Wednesday, November 3rd from 4 pm – 7 pm at Hennessy Funeral Home, located at 552 N. Main Street, corner of York and Main Street, Akron, Ohio.
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