Charles "Russ" Russell Fink - Obituary

harles Russell “Russ” Fink, 95 passed on Monday, March 16 after a lengthy illness. He was the eldest son of the late Charles Russell and Margaret Louise Harmon Fink. He was the beloved husband of 42 years of Albina Baris Fink; father of Laura Fink (William) Doucet, Michael (Donna), Daniel (Edie), Julie (Pat) Keane, Sabrina (Jeff) Myers, George (Tammy), Theresa (Mike) Schmidt and the late Dr. Charles “Chuck” Fink; brother of Lawrence “Gene” (Elaine), Francis “Bernie” (Barbara), Joseph (Carol), Kevin (Susan), Mary Pat. He is preceded in death by Margaret Louise “Dolly” Fink, Sarah Fink Zinke, John James “Jim” Fink, Dr. William Harmon “Bill” Fink, Raymond Gerald “Jerry” Fink and was husband of the late Margaret Howard Fink and Joyce Zimmerman Fink. He is survived by 20 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren (and growing!) in whom he delighted. Known by his family as Russ, Charlie was a man of deep faith, intelligence, boundless energy and sense of responsibility to family and community. He loved and honored his mother and father, exemplifying their work ethic and devotion to God, cared deeply for his 10 brothers and sisters, treasured his 8 children and cherished his wife. He was accepted into the Coast Guard Academy at the age of 17, made sustained friendships with fellow servicemen, and remained proud of his service to his country for his entire life. He had a brilliant mind and, after leaving the Coast Guard, he continued as a Nuclear Engineer with Martin Marietta Corp, being involved in many innovative projects including the design of the Vanguard 1 satellite, the first solar powered satellite successfully launched by the USA in 1958 and still in space today, as well as the isotope-fueled thermoelectric power systems for the IMP and NIMBUS satellites. He went on to eventually start his own companies in New Hampshire in the early solar energy field, developed a wheelchair that could “walk” up stairs, and designed a Tuned Spere that could be used for floating cities and offshore drilling platforms. Professionally, he was a well-honored and recognized engineer much sought after in the field of innovative energy development. Most importantly to him, he lived his life in Faith and with the Golden Rule “love your neighbor as you love yourself”. He treated everyone he met like a friend and knew his job on earth was to hold up and celebrate every life he encountered. No one could escape a “Charlie” hug or handshake and was glad of it. Always putting his Faith to work, he was a vital member of the Knights of Columbus, rising to the rank of Grand Knight. He was a spirited determined force of the annual Tootsie Roll Drive, raising money for the Anne Arundel County Central Special School. Everyone was welcome to a hearty “thank you” and a tootsie roll or two. He was a very active member of the Gabriel project, raising funds in support of unwed mothers and their unborn with regular “baby showers”, a cause very dear to his heart as every life was considered a gift from God. When it came time for the Red Cross Blood Drive, he was dauntless in drumming up willing participants at each event throughout the year, especially initiating the 9/11 Blood Drive in South County. He and his wife also worked together tirelessly delivering Meals on Wheels in their community, as well as working very closely with South County Faith Network, filling in wherever needed, with Charlie especially becoming recognized for building handicap ramps throughout the county. He and his wife, Bina, were also devout members of the Dominicans through Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, and Charlie earned Third Order Dominican. Charlie ‘Russ’ and Bina spent their free time with their very large family, traveling throughout the country, gardening and raising orchids, for which he was well known. He will always be remembered for being a good neighbor, his willingness to give of himself without hesitation, his joy of Life, his delight in his great big, wonderful extended family and especially remembered for his tremendous HUGS. Pass ‘em on. He would love that. A Memorial Mass will be held on April 11, at 12:30 PM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in West River, MD with a Celebration of Life Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Gabriel Project at gabrielnetwork.org Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.