He was born in Middletown in 1915 and graduated from Middletown High School in 1934. He attended Ohio State University but returned home to help his father build and remodel houses. He married Beatrice Moder of San Diego in 1940.

Among his real estate projects, he developed Yankee Industrial Park and several subdivisions, including Barbara Park, Skyview Acres and the Kay Subdivision.

He also helped restore the Sorg Opera House and U.S. Hotel Building, which is the oldest building in the city.

"He believed in preserving property and supporting education," said his longtime secretary and family friend, Betty Sciannamblo.

She said he established educational foundations through the Realtors Land Institute, Ohio State University and the Middletown Community Foundation. He also contributed to Temple Beth Sholom, the YMCA and the Middletown campus of Miami University.

Mr. Finkelman was one of the founders of the Realtors Land Institute of Chicago. He was also a member of the International Real Estate Federation and the Middletown and the Ohio State real estate boards.

He received the Ohio Association of Realtors distinguished service award and was named Middletown Board of Realtors Realtor and/or Broker of the Year in 1982, 1993 and 2000.

He received the Middletown Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Recognition Award and was recognized by the Middletown Planning Commission for land and property developments and historic preservation.

He was named Middletown Historical Society's Historian of the Year. He was founder and member of the Miami Valley Humane Association, member of Tau Epsilon Phi and of the Bankers Club of Cincinnati, and a life member of the Middletown Sportsmen¥s Club and B'nai B'rith International.

Preceding him in death were brothers, Maxwell, Joseph and Sol A., and sisters, Myrna Haimes, Ann Rosenthal and Betty Haimes.

He is survived by his wife, Beatrice; two daughters, Barbara M. Finkelman of Boulder, Colo., and Kay M. Irelan of Arcata, Calif.; a brother, Morris of Lodi, Calif.; two grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. today at Temple Beth Sholom, Middletown, with Rabbi Amy Greenbaum officiating. Entombment will be at Woodside Mausoleum. Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, Middletown, is serving the family.

Memorials: Temple Beth Sholom, 610 Gladys Drive, Middletown, OH 45044, or the charity of donor's choice.

E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com