Col. Richard Bernard Fink passed away on March 26, 2024, at the age of 91. Rich was born on November 30, 1932, in Schenectady, New York, to Frances and Harry Fink. He graduated from Union College in 1954 and began his life adventures. He lived a life full of faith, love, loyalty, devotion, charity, and influence. He was a proud Air Force officer, a master gardener, world traveler, and a loving husband, father, grand and great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.
After marrying his sweetheart, Marion Langenbach, after college, Rich started his Air Force career as a Signals Intelligence officer and, after receiving his master’s from George Washington University, transitioned into Air Force Personnel management. He became Deputy Director of Airmen Personnel, Deputy Chief of Staff/ Personnel in Europe, and retired after 32 years of service as Director of Air Force Morale, Welfare and Recreation in 1986. His duty stations took him to Greenland, England, and several states in the U.S. with Marion, sons, Rick and Jeff and daughter, Barbara. His experiences and impact in the military influenced three of his grandsons to join the Air Force and the Army.
When Rich retired, he and Marion called San Antonio their home. He became involved and dedicated his time and leadership to many altruistic organizations. Bracken-Garden Ridge Lions Club, Oakwell Farms HOA Board, and the Alamo Heights Rotary Club benefitted from his devotion to their organizations and altruistic causes. Rich was not one to retire to a life of leisure. He continued his education and received a master’s degree in gerontology at the University of the Incarnate Word where he also served on the Development Board. He became the Director at the retirement community at the Forum at Lincoln Heights in San Antonio and served in that capacity for 10 years and was a consultant to smaller retirement homes in South Central Texas. His passion for learning extended to his family. He was an expert in historical knowledge and captivated his family with stories and momentous events in history and current affairs. The family would play a game called “Ask-A-Fink” and Pop always came through with what you wanted to know.
Rich was devoted to his family and friends, loving deeply and loyal to a fault. Marion and Rich’s home in San Antonio and the ranch in Bandera were hubs of whole family gatherings and parties with dear, life-long friends. He had a tradition of taking vacations together with all the family to weddings, graduations, and reunions. “Pop,” as he was fondly called, made sure of at least one museum visit at any location. That tradition continues to this day as his grandchildren make museum visits with their children. Pop’s influence reaches deep into the life experiences of his family and of his great-grandchildren’s lives. 
Rich and Marion traveled extensively  with family and friends. He covered the globe in his Air Force career and, continued that passion for adventure in “retirement,” traveled to Africa, Australia, Europe, China, South America, Vietnam, Japan, and all-over North America.
Philanthropy was at the core of Rich’s influence and impact. He contributed to Texas A&M University establishing a Corps Endowed Scholarship in his son, Jeffery’s, name. He supported the University of the Incarnate Word by funding scholarships as well as donations to Alamo Heights Rotary Club.
Rich was a strong man of faith, loved his Lord, and was a devoted Catholic. He was able to receive Communion and Last Rites the day before he passed away. Family members were with him, and the Holy Spirit filled his room with comfort and peace. He was loyal to the University of the Incarnate Word and attended many parishes in San Antonio as well as attending church with Marion at Coker UMC.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Phillip Fink, his son, Jeffery Fink, son-in-law, Steve Weart, and his loving wife of 68 years, Marion Langenbach Fink.
He is survived by his son, Rick Fink, daughter, Barbara Weart, and his daughter-in-law, Diana Fink. He is adored by his “Great Eight” grandchildren Melissa Heffner, Steven Weart, Beth Maciulewicz, David Fink, Katherine Iadisernia, Ricky Fink, Daniel Fink, and Christina Fink. He has seven great grandchildren, Benjamin, Sophia, Max, Lucas, Nicholas, Miller, and Geogia, that know, and will know, Pop’s “joie de vivre.” 
We grieve that Rich is not with us here on Earth and will miss him dearly, but we also know that he is healed and reborn in Heaven. That surety gives us comfort and peace.


Rich as a young boy with his brother, Phil.

Rich's official portrait after achieving the rank of Colonel.

Rich and his son, Rick, after Christmas mass this year at St. Stanislaus in Bandera, Texas.

Rich and his son, Rick, after Christmas mass this year.

Rich standing in front of the Nott Memorial building at Union College at his graduation.

Richard graduated from Union College in 1954.

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Rich received 2 Meritorious Service Awards and 2 Commendation Awards

Most recent Meritorious Service Award for Rich

The date of internment will be June 14th at 10:30 AM.

RICHARD BERNARD FINK

Service

LEGION OF MERIT

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

US AIR FORCE,

COL

Resting Place

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

undefined

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us