June 23, 2005--Richard A. Fincher, 79, of Landenberg, Pa., died March 22, at home after a nine-month battle with malignant mesothelioma.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at UD in 1949.

Born in Wilmington, he graduated from Conrad High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was in training to be a pilot during World War II.

After the war ended, he attended the University of Delaware and then started his 36-year career with the DuPont Co., which included assignments at 22 DuPont plant sites. Most of his career was in the design division, where he designed and supervised the installation of instrument panels.

A member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church since 1954, MR. Fincher was involved in many ministries. During the last several years, he was a member of the usher and counting teams and volunteered at Hope Dining Room. He was a member of the Instrument Society of America and served on the board of directors of the United Way of Southern Chester County.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joline; daughter, Elizabeth A. Walker of Newark; son, Richard J. Fincher, and his wife, Judith, of Newark; son, Thomas W. Fincher, and his wife, Lisa, of Landenberg; five grandchildren, Kathryn, Kyle and Evan Walker, and Juliana and Breana Fincher; his brother, William A. Fincher of Wilmington; and a large extended family.

A memorial service was held April 1 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Newark.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 276 South College Ave., Newark, DE 19711; or to Heartland Hospice, 5 Christy Drive, Brandywine Two, Suite 103, Chadds Ford, PA 19317.

To send condolences, visit [www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com].