Obituary of Gastonia Carlton Finch

Gastonia Carlton Finch, 89, passed away on March 28, 2021 at his home in Woodbury, NJ. Gastonia, the son of Lawrence and Mary Finch, was born in Martinsville, VA on January 28, 1932. Gastonia moved to Woodbury as a child and attended Woodbury Public Schools, graduating from Woodbury High School in 1950. He served in the 6th Armored Division of the US Army at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1954. He went on to the University of Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1958. In 1989, Gastonia earned his Master of Education degree from Antioch University. Gastonia married Indiana M. Page in 1958, in St. Louis Missouri, and they were married for 52 years until her passing in 2011. Their union produced two children, Kelly Patricia, and Gordon Christopher (deceased). Gastonia taught Social Studies at John Wanamaker Middle School in Philadelphia PA for 35 years, retiring in 1996. He also served as a Trustee for the Philadelphia Federation of Teacher’s Health and Welfare Fund for many years. In his spare time, Gastonia was often found outdoors, landscaping his property. He enjoyed watching football and golf on television, reading, walking with his dog, and spending time with his family. He leaves to mourn his passing his daughter, Kelly (James Jr.) Mobley of Philadelphia, PA, daughter in law Julie (Gordon, deceased) Finch, grandchildren Rowyn and Alexander Finch, James III, Marissa, Morgan and Mackenzie Mobley, companion Maryann Donahue, as well as extended family, many friends and respected colleagues across the country. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gastonia’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.com In person Memorial Service is private. Live Stream Service will be available to everyone else. The tab to access the Live Stream service will be available on the left side of this page the night before the service.