Robert E. Finley (Bob)

Bob Finley left us on Thursday August 27, 2026 and our world lost some of its luster.  He was surrounded by loved ones in death as he was in life. 

Bob was born in Tipton County, Indiana on May 25, 1933 to John and Mary (Winslow) Finley. 

He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Richard, and a sister, Carol. He is survived by his first wife, Peggy, and his current wife of 36 years, Joan (Bricks) Zone, his son, Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Finley, daughter Sheri Hildebrand, grandchildren Michael (Madison) Finley, Ryan Finley, Tyler (Shelley) Hildebrand, Danielle (Marcus) Lonardo and Rachel Hildebrand, great grandchildren, Gavin Kaiser, Finley Lonardo, Mara Hildebrand, Miley Hildebrand and Vienna Lonardo, stepchildren Stephanie Zone, John Joseph III aka Joe (Melissa) Zone, step-grandchildren, Zachary, Xander and Vivi Klein, John Joseph Zone IV (Jack), Charlotte (Charlie) Zone and many cherished extended family members.

Coming from humble beginnings, Bob started working at a canning factory at about 7 yrs old, then went on to delivering chickens and finally newspapers, where he learned empathy by listening  patrons on his route.  As an adolescent and young adult, he worked as a mortician’s assistant, a line -worker at a lawnmower production facility, a carpentry journeyman (he was involved in building over 60 homes) and a myriad of other jobs.  He then attended the University of South Carolina on a basketball scholarship before serving in the army in Germany. He earned an undergraduate degree from Ball State University in Indiana, taught High School Business and English and worked as a High School Counselor while earning a PhD in Counseling Psychology at Purdue University. Seveal times he had disadvantaged youth live with his family when the kids had no other good options. Despite the time spent working and attending graduate school, he always had time for participating with his son and daughter their activities and interests. The family moved to Utah in 1968 where Bob worked at the University of Utah as a Psychologist, Director of Testing Services, Interim Director of the Counseling Center and Director of Admissions before becoming an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, directing the Master’s Counseling Program.  He concurrently saw clients in individual therapy. He mentored and tutored hundreds of students and chaired multiple Doctorate Dissertations. He retired from the university in May of 2001 and then went on to work at the Department of Disability Services until his 80^th birthday. He received these awards over his lifetime:  The Kiwanis Award for his service to youth in Indiana, The Perlman Award for teaching at the University of Utah and The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Utah Counseling Association. 

They broke the mold when Bob was born. A true renaissance man, Bob was as comfortable talking philosophy with colleagues as he was discussing the merits of a new woodworking gadget with a fellow builder. Being multi-faceted, his interests spanned from being a magician, building a cabin, sailing, teaching himself digital photography and writing poetry.  He significantly touched the lives of his children and grandchildren. A wonderful storyteller, he was as comfortable quoting E.E. Cummings and Auden as he was telling dirty jokes. 

Bob gave his all to his friends, his children, grandchildren and even strangers by being loving and accepting them unconditionally. He was as real as they come.  While a man of simple tastes in food and dress, he was able to enjoy poetry, art, dance and music. He was fearless yet accepting, kind and generous but proud, gentle but formidable when protecting others and always there to help people for the simple reason that they needed help.  He was wise beyond measure. 

A rare and extraordinary human being, Bob impacted countless others over his many years on this earth. Family, students and clients have been the lucky recipients of Bob’s wisdom, love and humor. Bob’s philosophy was that allowing others to be themselves is its own special reward. 

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.