Harold E. Fink

Harold “Hoot” Fink, 67, of Bridgeport laid down his tools on January 26, 2023. He was born in Salzburg, Austria on March 25, 1954 to Erna Kern. He was adopted by Kenneth and Lessie Fink, spending his formative years in the outdoors and reading all of the books he could get his hands on. His love of nature and learning lasted throughout his life. 

Hoot would tell you that he was a Tree Man. He worked as a tree trimmer for the Syracuse City Parks Department for over 20 years. As one of the workers responsible for putting up the tree for the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting, he was on the front page of The Post Standard 18 times. 

Hoot had a true joy for life and was happiest when he went off on his adventures on his bike. He often traveled out west with friends, basking in the beauty of the scenery while collecting his prized rocks and gems. With his magnetic personality, charm and infectious smile, he made friends everywhere he went. 

Music brought true delight for Hoot. He frequently went to live shows and was an enthusiastic supporter of local talent. Hoot was a self taught harmonica player who truly lit up when playing his tunes. He was humbled and touched when his dear friends from I Am Fool honored him with their song in homage to him, “Swaggerman”. 

Two of the things that brought Hoot the most pride were his membership in the Konosioni Lodge and his status as Master Mason. He reveled in his time with his lodge brothers and helped promote awareness of freemasonry, introducing many brothers to the craft. 

Hoot’s family was everything to him. He was overjoyed when he and his sister, Jo Batte Woerner were reunited. He was so grateful that they were able to take the trip of his life together when they returned to Austria and reconnected with their family. Hoot leaves behind a legacy with his beloved children and grandchildren. He put his life story down in words when he published his memoir, “The Chamber Maid’s Son”. 

Hoot is survived by his children, Michael (Jasmin) Fink and Amber (Brett) Triplett, his treasured grandchildren, Jack, Landon, Henry, Marshall and Kathryn, his sister, Jo (Dave) Batte Woerner, his nieces, Becky and Shannon and many cherished friends.

His family will be remembering him on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM upstairs at the Dinosaur BBQ, 246 West Willow Street. 

Leave condolences for the family on the Tribute Wall

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harold E. Fink, please visit our floral store.