Frank Finch, III

Frank Finch III was the oldest of 2 children born to the late Frank Finch Jr. and Dorothy Louise Moultrie Finch on April 1, 1948 in Philadelphia PA.

Frank passed away on October 16, 2018.



From a very young age, Frank's ambition was to become a lawyer. He began his journey towards his goal beginning at Andrew Hamilton Elementary School. Upon graduating from Hamilton, he was selected to be the student speaker at graduation. After Hamilton he attended Sayre Junior High where he was an honor student.

During his time of early education, Frank was also a Boy Scout, and then an Explorer of Troop 439, at Greater Saint Matthew Independent Church where he also attended services. He was the first scout in the history of the troop to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. As a member of the troop Frank served as Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. As a member of the troop Frank was presented the Philadelphia Good Citizenship Award by the Union League at a banquet dinner in 1964.

Frank attended West Philadelphia High School where he was a member of the school's first Motivation Program; a program which separated students with college potential into accelerated academic and cultural classes. While at West, Frank was the Sports Editor of The Western News, the school's newspaper, writing the column, "News and Views." Frank was also a member of the swimming team, junior varsity football team, and a letterman on the varsity football squad. Frank was awarded the Philadelphia Board of Education scholarship which he used at Temple University.

Frank became a political science major in the School of Liberal Arts at Temple University. While at Temple, Frank was a member of the Reserved Officers' Training Corps. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves on May 22, 1969.

As cadet First Battalion Commander he was awarded the title, "Distinguished Military Student."

At the graduation ceremony, Frank was named, "Distinguished Military Graduate."

During the primary campaign of the late Senator Robert F Kennedy, Frank served as the co-chairman of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Students for Kennedy. That semester he was also elected President of Temple University's Young Democratic Organization.

Frank was the first African American to serve in this capacity.



Frank was also an active member of the news and sports staff of The Temple News, the daily university publication. He covered the school's varsity wrestling team for the entire four years he attended. His controversial political column, "The Democrat's View," appeared twice weekly during his senior year.

Frank was chosen one of the six "Outstanding Seniors" by the student Senate in May, 1969 for his awareness and sensitivity to the needs and problems of his fellow students and the community. The only unanimous choice of the senate committee, he was singled out as being a person of action and thought; an achiever in both his academic and social aspirations.

Frank contributed to the progressive change in both the academic, social and political spheres while at Temple, and made a lasting impression upon his elders and peers.



Frank was awarded a full scholarship to Villanova University where he studied law. In 1972 he earned his J.D. from the Villanova University School of Law.



Frank began his legal work with the City of Philadelphia Law Department. He was also an attorney for Community Legal Services, Inc.

He was the Philadelphia Regional Counsel for the PA Human Relations Commission, and the Director of the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia. Later he served as the EEO Section Chief at SEPTA. After entering private practice, he became counsel to the law firm of Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates where he also maintained his own practice at the same address.

Although Frank's experience was extensive, his primary areas of interest were labor and employment law. His primary referrals were employees, union members and officers. These referrals have included, over the years a large number of SEPTA employees, Philadelphia School District employees, and medical employees. Frank represented the Philadelphia organization of African American Police Officers (Guardian Civic League, Inc) and Firefighters (Valiants, Inc.).

He also represented factions in intra-union disputes involving various unions such as Local 810 of District Council 47 of AFSCME; Lodge No. 5 of the FOP; and Local 22 of the International Association of Firefighters. In addition, Frank handled the lead case which resulted in the federal court injunction ending sex segregation of units and permitting women to work sector patrol in the Philadelphia Police Department (Brace v. O'Neill).

Frank served on a number of boards including the Board of Directors of the Women's Law Project, and the A.C.L.U., where he also served a term as president.

Frank was a member of the Eastern Pa. Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, the ABA, PBA, and the Philadelphia Bar Association. He was a referral attorney for the American Association of University Professors.

Frank was a Maryindale-Hubbel AV peer-rated attorney. His practice was accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Frank leaves to remember and celebrate his life his mother Dorothy, his sister Patricia, and a host of relatives, friends and co-workers.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike (cor. Lynn Blvd.), Upper Darby, PA (610) 449-0300 and to his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.

Interment Rolling Green Memorial Park, 1008 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA.

Funeral Service

Friday, October 26, 2018 11:00 AM
Donohue Funeral Homes Inc.
8401 West Chester Pike

Upper Darby 19082, United States