Russell W. Finch, 87, of 29596 Maple St., Black River and Ocala, FL passed May 25, 2015 at his home.

Russ traveled extensively but realized his last wish was to spend his final days back at his Black River homestead on Maple St., surrounded by his wife and children.

He was born on March 19, 1928 in Black River, NY the son of Joseph and Augusta Mueller Finch and attended Black River High School.

Following school he married Eleanor I. Lyke on December 25, 1951 in Brownville,NY. He was then drafted into the US Army and served from 1951 to 1953.

Russ was always a hardworking and self employed individual.  He owned and operated the Russell Finch Tree Service and Russell Finch Equipment Sales & Rental for many years.  In the early 70's he founded American Wood Splitters in which he designed and manufactured thousands of log splitters for over thirty years.

He enjoyed horseback riding, boating and flying his Cesna Cardinal.  He was a member of the Masonic Temple and Kiwanis Club in Black River.

Among his survivors are his loving wife, Eleanor I. Finch, Black River and Ocala, FL; a daughter and son in law, Valerie and Todd Shippee, Peru, NY; two sons and their wives, Russell J. and Priscilla Finch, Tuftonboro, NH, Robert N. and Donna Finch, Sackets Harbor, NY; 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, a sister Jeanne Finch Devereau passed before him.

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30th at the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.

Burial will follow in the Black River Cemetery.

Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 29th at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to the Black River Fire Department, Black River Ambulance Squad or Black River Little League.

Online condolences may be made at www.brucefh.