David Finkelstein

David Finkelstein of Portland passed away at home Monday evening April 22, 2024.  David was the loving husband of Myra (Eisenstein) Finkelstein with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.   Born in Bath, Maine to the late Jack and Sara Finkelstein, he moved at a young age to Portland, Maine.  David is a graduate of the University of Maine where he thrived in all aspects of college life.  He started his teaching career in Northern Maine and then moved to CT where he met Myra.  For 35 years he was a history and driver’s ed instructor at East Hartford High School. After retirement David was a van driver for the Portland Senior Center as well as a school crossing guard at Gildersleeve school.

Besides his wife, David is survived by his 2 sons Paul (Eileen) and Jamie (Shivali) all of Rhode Island.  The light of his life were his 4 grandchildren: Emma, Jay, Lily, and Ashton all of RI. Some of David’s fondest memories were the annual February family vacations in the Caribbean, spending time in Maine, bowling, making, and sharing his home grown strawberry and blueberry jam and the frequent phone calls to the grandkids to hear the results of their school events. He could also be heard talking to the ‘grands’ on the value of an education, savings, and a stock tip or two all the while glowing in their accomplishments.  He also leaves his sister Joyce (Roger) Pulaski of Naples, Florida.

 David could be found going to tag sales on Saturday and then selling his “finds” at the flea market on Sunday.  He also loved antiquing, dabbling in the stock market, and discussing politics with anyone who would listen.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday April 25th at 12:00pm at Adath Israel Cemetery, 714 Pine Street, Middletown CT. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Portland Library, 20 Freestone Avenue, Portland CT 06480 or to Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue, P.O. Box 337, Middletown CT 06457. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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