Donate in memory of Rich Finch

Our son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, Rich Finch, battled liver disease over the last 12 years with resilience and determination, which carried him through countless medical challenges to get and stay on the national transplant registry. That quest for life took him from Connecticut to Texas to California as he drove across the country in his trusted Tahoe with his very loved companion, his cat Cali. His excitement about a possible new liver quickly shifted with a health crisis, and, sadly, Rich lost his fight against liver disease with emotional fortitude and grace. He has transitioned from a challenging world to a realm of light, love, peace.

Richie passed while in hospice care in California, where he drove from Texas recently to be placed on the state’s transplant list. Soon after arriving, though, Rich faced a health emergency that took him to ER, ICU, and a hospital stay before he was released to his loving best-friend mom Ann-Marie, his beloved Aunt Melissa, and his supportive and loving stepmom Cathi, for hospice care. He had gone to stay in California, anticipating a transplant surgery. The bills quickly began coming in for an expensive ICU stay, hospital treatment, hospice care, and now planned memorial arrangements and getting him home to Connecticut again — and arrive adding a layer of fear on spirits tired and hearts broken. His closest family flew in from around the country to sit and be with him, reminisce through laughter and tears, give their love during his final hours and days.

Rich’s heart reached far beyond his immediate family. He always cherished his extended family and friends, and he had them across the country. As he leaves his earthly journey behind, Rich’s legacy of ‘don’t ever give up,’ courage, determination, kindness, gentleness, and resilience will continue to echo in the hearts of all who have loved him. There are many.

Rich Finch’s family is appreciative of any help his friends and family are able to offer during this very terrible time in all their lives. His transition was filled with grace, surrounded by love, and bathed in the light of countless happier memories.