Dave is remembered as “Having wisdom beyond his years going back to when we were kids. He pushed me to be a better person by his examples, and I could not have asked for a better friend.” – John P. In a toast shared for Dave, he is recognized, “To a brilliant mind and a generous soul. A man who chased truth with knowledge and kindness. May his question echo on and his light stay with us.” – Rob R. He is also remembered as “One of the best people I have ever met.” – Travis C. and “Dave you continue to be the person others quietly depend on. Your depth across systems, calm problem solving, and habit of teaching, not just fixing, have enabled countless teams to move faster and smoother. The reliability and curiosity you bring set a standard that is felt way beyond Accounting and Finance.” - Tim T.

Dave has had a lasting impact on so many of us as expressed here, “I was constantly surrounded by a bunch of grown men who were playing D&D, video games, talking about sci-fi flicks, and going to comic bookstores…he was the most generous and kind human I had ever encountered. He always pushed me to be better, to do better, and congratulated me on my wins, no matter how big or how small. Dave was an infallible institution in the lives of those that loved him, he instilled and reinforced a lot of important things in me with his actions.” - Alexis R.

Dave was born in Rockford, Ill., on April 25, 1972, to Frank Finley and Carol Smith (Buchmann). Joining the family as baby brother to Lori Craig, who protected him, to her best ability, throughout their childhood and early adulthood, always reminding him “We can do hard things.” Which sometimes included a stuffed animal fight with “Sharky” and “Froggy.”

Dave and his sister, Lori, grew up with a love for sports on the ice. When they weren’t at the Riverview Icehouse together for training, they spent years traveling with their dad, Frank, for hockey games and figure skating competitions. Dave was a competitive team player from the start, but he always took the time to coach others and help them excel. His humor was never far away either. “When his nieces Hannah and Abby were young, he delighted in finding not only the most fun toys for them but also the loudest ones as well. So little brother could still tease big sister! He loved watching his nieces grow and thrive. He was one of the best and most protective uncles ever!” – Lori C. He is also described as “He was always easy to talk to, we could talk shop about software development one moment and slide right into what our favorite bourbon was that month, maybe not in that order. He made me feel like a true brother, not just an in-law.” – Randy C.

Dave had a core group of friends growing up that helped shape the man he became. To hear the stories, Dave was a legend among men. From bringing home that much-needed pizza at the end of his delivery shift, when they all lived together in a apartment, to heroically saving the group of teens from a bee chasing them, with the only weapon at hand…Rob’s bookbag, with a loud smash that bee still wasn’t toast, however Rob’s brand-new yellow Walkman that was inside the bookbag was toast. RIP Walkman.

Dave first met the love of his life, Marcie Finley (Usry) in 1996, then reunited on July 4, 2008, under the fireworks at Shorewood Park, Loves Park, Ill. “Dave had the most incredible sense of humor. He kept me laughing through all the ups and downs of our life together. There are so many things that stand out about Dave but the one I hear when I’m falling asleep is his laugh, almost like an echo. The one I see as I’m closing my eyes is his smile, again an echo. He had an inner strength that was beyond anyone I’ve ever known. I could always lean on his strength when I had none….as I’m still doing today.” – Marcie F.

Dave will be missed by his stepchildren, Joseph (Samantha) Liebgott and Megan (Caleb) Brouer. “My stepdad Dave was a really good and kindhearted person. He meant a lot to our family, and I’m grateful for the memories we shared with him. He will truly be missed but never forgotten.” – Joe L. While Meg writes, “Dave was a such an amazing person who was there for everyone! The most loving, caring, kindhearted person I have known. He has taught me so much while growing up. He has always been here for us, and I am truly grateful for all he has done for our family. He will be missed very much. Love you Dave/Papa Lego’s. Until we meet again.” - Megan B.

Dave will forever be remembered as the “Papa Lego’s” to his grandchildren, Karson, Jordan and Payton. Getting countless numbers of Lego sets for them throughout the years. Karson and Papa Lego’s would sit at the table and put them together, with Papa Lego gluing each piece together.

Dave is remembered by his nieces Hannah Craig and Abby (Dakota) Craig; and his grandniece Charlotte. Hannah remembers her Uncle Dave as, “A very loving and involved uncle and showing up to all the family events from my graduation to my baby shower for Charlotte where all our family was together and that meant a lot for everyone to be together. Also, he was always there for our family at times of need, and he was someone we could count on. I know he was someone Mom valued and would count on in times of need and that gave us comfort knowing she had that.” – Hannah C. Abby writes “Uncle David had a warm, welcoming spirit and a great sense of humor!” – Abby C.

O’Rion graduated from Harlem High School in Machesney Park, Illinois in 1990. After which Dave went on to study at Bradly University in Peoria, Illinois. Dave received an Associate’s degree in 1994 at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois and received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 1997 from Northern Illinois University.

Dave started his IT career at Sundstrand Aerospace/CSC (now DXC Technology) as a Senior Desktop Engineer and Projects Lead from 2000 to 2008. Then making a move to Amcore Bank (now BMO Harris Bank) as a Senior Network Technician from 2008 to 2010. After which Dave was employed at Eclipse Combustion (now Honeywell) as a Data Base Administrator from 2010 to 2016. Finally finding a home at Epic Systems as a Data Base Administrator and Systems Engineer from 2016 to 2026.

Dave passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Finley and Carol Smith (Buchmann). He is survived by his wife, Marcie Finley; his sister, Lori (Randy) Craig; his nieces, Hannah Craig and Abby (Dakota) Craig; his stepchildren, Joseph (Samantha) Liebgott and Megan (Caleb) Brouer; his grandchildren, Karson, Jordan and Payton; and his grandniece, Charlotte.