Obituary of William Samuel Finkel

William Samuel Finkel of Fairfax Station, VA died at home on Thursday, February 18 at 4:40 p.m. of complications from multiple strokes. Bill was born on October 4, 1943 in Philadelphia, PA to Abraham and Delma Finkel. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Karen Evans Finkel and his beloved black Labrador Retriever, Tessa. Bill enjoyed trying new things throughout life and over his 72 years he rode motorcycles, had many sports cars, was a private pilot, a tennis player, avid marathon runner and gym enthusiast. He even got certified in scuba diving and parachute jumping. For many years he and Karen owned sailboats. Bill began his 46 year career with the Department of Defense upon graduation from high school. He received a college scholarship to Drexel University from the Naval Sea Systems Command and began working at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Bill began his DLA career in 1974, as an engineer at DISC. He came to DLA from the Naval Air Engineering Center bringing a wealth of engineering experience on critical items used on Navy systems, such as catapult and arresting gear equipment. After 5 years at DISC, Bill was selected to a position at DLA HQ as Chief of Technical and Logistics Services Directorate in the Engineering Programs Division. He then went on to serve as the Chief of the Technical and Cataloging Team and in 2000 became Chief of Product Assurance for DLA. Bill retired from DLA in 2008. Bill received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University where he was a member of TEP. He received a Masters in Engineering Administration from George Washington University. He also attended ICAF, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He was awarded the DLA Distinguished Career Service Award. Bill was a level-headed, logical individual with an engineer mind. He was a good friend and mentor to all. Although Bill's journey on earth has ended, his death heralds the beginning of his soul's eternal life in Heaven. "May his memory be a blessing." A memorial service followed by a reception is planned for Sunday, March 13, 2016 between 2:00-4:00 PM at the Laurel Hill Golf Club, 8701 Laurel Crest Drive in Lorton, Virginia. Dress wear will be casual.