Obituary of Jean R. Disinger

Jean died on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, one day before her 98th birthday. She grew up in Hoboken, NJ and graduated from Stevens Hoboken Academy, where her classmates voted her "best-looking" and "best dancer." Jean was a selfless individual who always put others before herself. She was a 25 gallon blood donor, and often visited the VA to read to those who were unable to read for themselves. She was also a proud Navy veteran and maintained contact with her fellow WAVES thru her membership in the Salt City Women Veterans. Her middle name, Ripley, was in honor of her great-grandfather, General James Wolfe Ripley, who served as Chief Munitions Officer under President Abraham Lincoln. During the Civil War Lincoln himself made frequent trips to Ripley's office to discuss Union weapon purchases. Jean's father served in Gen. James Pershing's 1st Cavalry unit, which was tasked with hunting down Pancho Villa's marauders just prior to World War I. After graduating from Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School, and following in her family's long military tradition, she joined the Navy at the start of WW II. While stationed at Sampson, she met her future husband, Eldred (Bob), and they married six weeks later. They made a home in Baldwinsville and raised six children, many of them deciding to stay and raise their own families nearby, always guided by the wonderful example set by Jean and Bob. Jean was always active in the Baldwinsville community and surrounding areas, serving as the Grand Marshal of the 2008 Memorial Day Parade. She was a charter member of the Betsy Baldwin chapter of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and a lifetime member of the Vermont Mayflower Society, Salt City Women Veterans and a past board member of McHarrie's Legacy Museum. She was a longtime member of Erwin Methodist Church in Syracuse. Jean was predeceased by her parents Robert and Elsie Bartholomew, sisters Betty, Ruth, Barbara and brother John. Also by her husband of 59 years Eldred and daughters Ruth Wells and Lysbet Galey. She is survived by her children David (Dawn), Susan Vanderveer (Don), Thomas (Barb), Barbara Stowe (David), John Galey and Evelyn Disinger. Her many grandchildren include Barbara Schmidt, Diane Skapura, Deborah Armstrong, Kristin Gagnon, Scott Vanderveer, Erin Yerdon, Denice Buchanan, Brian and Matthew Disinger, Michael and Daniel Wells as well as her brother, Jim Bartholomew, plus thirteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to thank the staff at Syracuse Home for their care and compassion during Mom's stay there. A Memorial Service will be held on August 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Erwin First United Methodist Church, 920 Euclid Ave in Syracuse. Contributions can be made to Erwin First United Methodist, 920 Euclid Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210 or Syracuse Home Association, 7740 Meigs Rd, Baldwinsville, NY 13027.