Sonty J. Finchio Jr., age 71, of Erie, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 19, 2022. He was born on January 26, 1951 in Erie, PA, the son of Wanda Ray and the late Sonty Finchio Sr. He, along with his one brother and five sisters, grew up on the family’s farm and attended Fort LeBoeuf Schools. He served his country from 1968-1969 on a US Navy Destroyer in the South Pacific. After his service time, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jane, and together they raised five wonderful children.

In 1976, Sonty joined the Laborors’ International Union in Whyodak, WY. As he developed and applied his prior skills, he became an expert in all phases of construction. During his 36 years of service in the field, he led major construction projects, such as bridge-building, in the Ashtabula, OH area. The go-to-guy with questions on fixing or repairing anything, Sonty remained an active member of the laborors’ union throughout his lifetime. He was also a member of the American Legion.
Sonty instilled his work ethic and morals in his kids, and taught them old-school values, and to stand up for what they believed in. He loved his family time, kids, grandkids, and friends, and especially enjoyed family picnics with a campfire and tunes. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, doing repairs in the shop, riding motorcycles, working on the farm, playing his harmonica, and riding out on the back mountain.
Survivors include his mother, Wanda Ray; three daughters- Katrina Finchio, Rhonda Glaser (Shane), Sara English (Adam); one son- Sonty J. Finchio III (Clara); five sisters and one brother- Sylvia Nichols, Tommy Finchio, Gloria Ellis, Louise Guie, Charlotte Finchio, and Deborah Laurento; 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; and many more beloved family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his dad Sonty J. Finchio Sr., his wife Betty Jane Carnes Finchio, and his daughter Pamela Finchio.
Friends may call at Van Matre Funeral Home in Edinboro on Friday, November 25th from 2-4 and 5-7 pm.
My heart is so sàd Sonty!, I spent a great part of my childhood with Sara and Rhonda and learned a lot of things from you along the way! You always being funny whether it was being down in the vasemént on John Williams and learning to sing Running through the briars running threw the bushes….ect while you played the harmonica, or the times you made me believe the dog treat was beef jerky lol. You and Betty Jane were so good too me and I forever will cherish those those memories with me. I hope you are at peace and reunited with yóur loved ones again! Until we meet àgain RIP and also Katrina, Rhonda Sara and Sonty John I am so very sorry and keeping you in my prayers! Love you all ❤️Colleen
Char Ray I never got to know Jr., but have grown very close to his family and love you all very much. I cannot be with you today but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and my heart goes out to you!
In Loving Memony of Jr Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in god, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.I go to prepare a place for you. and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am , there you may be also; ours hearts are broken prayers and thoughts to the family
The last few years were the sweetest of all the 50 years i had with him ..the talks,the rides out back, the family gatherings…
I will carry my dad in my heart and in my thoughts forever. And will always look to things he has said to move forward in my life.
Dad, you were always my hero. The strongest working man I knew, and the taking time to travel to Pittsburgh with Mom and me for all my checkups. I was always so grateful. I will always hold in my heart the knowledge you taught us, and that Grandpa &Grandma taught you. I know how sad you were when Mom went to heaven but now you are rejoicing with her and Jesus. I will miss you so much here on this earth but I know I will see you again. I LOVE YOU DAD ALWAYS AND FOREVER!
Your loving daughter,
Rhonda Lee