Gene P. Fink, Sr.

Gene P. Fink, Sr., 95, of Berwick, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024 at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. Born in Berwick on November 8, 1928, he was a son to the late Willard E. and Fay M. (Moist) Fink.

Mr. Fink was a graduate of Berwick High School, Class of 1946, where he lettered in baseball and basketball. While still in high school, he served in the PA Guard and from 1946-1949, continued his service in the Coast Guard. He furthered his education at Penn State University, earning a B.S. in Education in 1953 and earning his Master’s Degree from Bucknell University in 1957.

Gene was a member of First United Methodist Church in Berwick. He was also a member of the Penn State Alumni Association, the Penn State Education Association, Bloomsburg American Legion Post 273, and the National Education Association.

Mr. Fink had been employed by the Berwick Area School District from 1953-1997. He had been a teacher before becoming a guidance counselor and had been head coach of the baseball team for 36 years, during which time the team accrued 14 league championships and 6 District IV Championships. In 1977, Gene was Pennsylvania’s nominee for the National High School Baseball Coach of the Year by NHS/Athletic Coaches Association. He had also been instrumental in starting Teener Baseball in Berwick. Mr. Fink also coached basketball, having served as either head coach or assistant coach between 1954 and 1967.

Surviving Gene are his children: Willard Strauser Phillips and wife, Susan, of Langhorne, Jeanine Marie Groves of State College, Molly Jane Fink of Berwick, Gene Phillips Fink, Jr. of Norristown, Bruce Fowler Phillips of Bensalem, and Joan Elizabeth Pries and husband, Corey, of Kingston; grandchildren: Kelly, Matthew, Ian, Megan, Grace, Hunter, and Brett; and great-grandson, Jamison.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 39 years, Joan Elizabeth (Strauser) Fink, who passed away December 21, 1990. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Grace Elaine Sheep.

Gene’s services are private with his interment at Pine Grove Cemetery Annex. Pastor Max Sitler will officiate. The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the Fink family. Online messages of comfort and support may be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.