Melvin Robert Finkle

PINE PLAINS — Melvin Robert Finkle,85, a lifelong resident of Pine Plains, passed away Nov. 11, 2012, in Bethel, Conn., at the home of his daughter, where he lost his courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Finkle was born Jan. 13, 1927, in Pine Plains, a son of the late Christine (Wheeler) and Russell Finkle. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of the American Legion Post 426 for 49 years. He took great pride in serving as one of the commanders of Post 426 during that time. Mr. Finkle was also an active member and deacon of the First United Presbyterian Church in Pine Plains. He involved himself in many of the church activities and volunteered his assistance to the church as needed. Mr. Finkle’s occupation was a truck driver for Anthony Pulver Trucking in Pine Plains until his retirement. He also owned and operated a waste disposal business for many years in Pine Plains and the local surrounding area. Mr. Finkle is survived by two daughters, Sandra Mierzejewski and her husband, Benjamin, of Bethel, and Donna Campion and her husband, Lanphier, of Bradenton, Fla.; a sister, Kathryn Grace Mergendahl of Pine Plains; six grandchildren, Kelli Duffy of Bethel, Geoffrey Sidoli of Asheville, N.C., Patricia Laurino of Marlborough, Mass., Sally McGee of Stanford, Conn., Stephen Campion of Sarasota, Fla., and Gregory Campion of Orlando, Fla.; 14 great-grandchildren; 11 nieces and nephews; and 13 great-nieces and great-nephews. Mr. Finkle was predeceased by a brother, Harold Finkle.Calling hours will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home in Pine Plains. The American Legion will conduct services at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the First United Presbyterian Church of Pine Plains, with the Rev. Carol Miller officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church of Pine Plains, PO Box 313, Pine Plains, NY 12567; Hospice; or the American Cancer Society. To sign the online register, go to www.peckandpeck.net.