Michael David Finley

On Friday, September 29, 2023 Michael Finley, loving husband, father, brother, friend, and community member passed away at the age of 59.

Michael was born on January 5, 1964 in Elgin, Illinois to Robert and Margery (Green) Finley.

Michael spent his childhood and school age years in Glen Cove, NY. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in recreation management from the University of Vermont. He met his best friend Patty Jakob and made her his bride on September 30, 1989. In 1992 the Finley family began their new adventures in Kent, OH where Michael started a new career in insurance, eventually taking ownership of the Hall Green Agency from his uncle, David Green. There they welcomed three beautiful children, Katherine, Landon, and Hannah. Michael touched the lives of everyone he encountered as a youth sports coach, religious education teacher, local business owner, and lover of all things Kent. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people, give of himself, make people laugh, and evoke a spirit of love and kindness in each person he knew. Michael’s commitment to living a purpose filled and joyful life was illustrated by his service to the Kent Jaycees, the Portage County Insurance Association, St. Patrick’s parish, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Portage County, and Main Street Kent.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert, mother, Margery, father-in-law, Fred Jakob, and brother-in-law, Thomas Malone.

Michael is survived by his bride, Patty Finley, son, Landon Finley; daughters, Katherine and Hannah Finley; sisters, Susan (Glenn) Gurriell, Megan Malone, and Gretchen Knox; mother-in-law, Doris Jakob, sister-in-law, Kathleen Jakob; brothers-in-law, John (Kathy) Jakob, and William (Patti) Jakob. Others left to mourn his passing include Breanna and Jairden Legg, Daniel Lines, his beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, longtime friends, and all those that feel part of his chosen family.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 7th from 10-11 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Patrick Church, 313 North DePeyster St. Kent, OH. There will be private graveside services. All friends and family are invited to celebrate and share memories of Michael from 1-4 PM at the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center, 215 S. DePeyster St. Kent, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Family and Community Services, Inc. To continue his legacy, shop local, pay it forward, and perform random acts of kindness.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.