William Finn

William (Bill) Finn was born November 3, 1935 to Jennie Finn, and William Wild at Columbus Hospital in New York City. Unfortunately, due to their circumstances his biological parents relinquished their parental rights and Bill became a ward of the New York Foundling Hospital. This unfortunate turn was actually the lucky break Bill needed, as he was welcomed into the loving home of Louis and Anna Giarra as a foster child. The Giarra's warmly and lovingly embraced Bill, and he became a permanent part of their family. In addition to Louis and Anna, the two people Bill would always hold in his heart as his parents, the Giarra's had a son, Nicholas, and a lovely daughter, Lucile. Like Louis and Anna, Bill's new siblings welcomed him with open arms and dotted over their new little (curly haired) brother.

Bill attended grammar and high school in Brooklyn New York, and graduated from Boody High School in 1952. Upon completing his education, Bill did as many of his generation, and enlisted in the United States Air Force as America was embroiled in the Korean War. At the completion of his training Bill was assigned as a flight mechanic on Americas last propeller driven nuclear bomber, the B36 Peacekeeper. This aircraft of global range and capabilities took Bill to many parts of the world while remaining stationed at Loring AFB Maine. During a return flight on one such mission a terrible winter storm arose suddenly resulting in a mechanical malfunction and an in flight emergency. Unfortunately the crews B36 was forced down short of the runway and crash-landed in a snow covered field a mile from the airfield. Bill was presented with an Air Force commendation for heroically returning to the burning wreckage after safely escaping to rescue a trapped fellow crewmember.

Due to his mothers need for assistance, and a strong family commitment, Bill separated from the Air Force and shortly thereafter met his future wife Maria Lauricella. Bill and Maria married on June 15th 1963 and welcomed their only child in 1966. Unfortunately Bill and Maria's union eventually faded, but they remained friendly and co-committed to raising their son. During the 1970's Bill was an outstanding salesman with Sears, Roebuck & Co. routinely winning awards as his normally outgoing and friendly personality was tailored to such an undertaking. Eventually he left Sears with a desire to branch out on his own and opened a maintenance and window cleaning company. In 1981 Bill left his native New York and migrated to South Florida as he further developed his business interests.

Shortly after arriving in Florida Bill met Eda Avnayim and began a relationship that would endure through to his passing. As their relationship proceeded to develop, Bill and Eda decided to move and make Central Florida their home. Though his business interest's continued to occupy a great deal of his time, Bill found his second love in the Orlando Magic. As he slowly wound down his business interests towards a semi-retired state, Bill was only just beginning to find his passion working with Orlando's newest professional sports team. It was at this time that Bill became the most popular usher in Magic history. At one point his section was the premier location as he patrolled the isles and made each and every person who attended feel as though he was their personal friend. Bill became a well-known figure at Orlando Magic games, and even inspired one local news agency to do an in-depth piece on him.

Bill remained actively employed with the Magic even though he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and in his last few years required the assistance of a motorized scooter to perform his duties. Throughout his life, Bill never allowed these types of disadvantages to slow him down or hinder his lighthearted and friendly personality. He was a unique man that touched many lives and was truly a friend to all those who knew him. He will forever be missed.

Bill is survived by his; sister Lucile Lundy Woodall; son William Finn; grandson Enzo Anthony Finn; granddaughter Lillian Marie Finn, daughter-in-law Lian Hui Finn, nephew Rodney Craig Lundy, and his partner Eda Avnayim.