Jerome True

Jerome B. True died peacefully at age 94 on August 5, 2019, at his home in Ithaca, NY. Jerry was born in Syracuse, NY on September 17, 1924, the fifth of six siblings. He attended Nottingham High School where he developed his competitive spirit for sports and politics. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was a nose gunner on a B-24 Liberator in the 8th Air Force, leading many raids over occupied Europe. Jerry returned home to attend the new Triple Cities/Harpur College in Binghamton, NY, where he played baseball.

After graduation, Jerry married Nan Thompson; a high school classmate, who came from the same neighborhood. Jerry then became the third generation of his family to enter the insurance business, starting as a field representative for American Mutual. Jerry always wanted to buy his own agency, and eventually acquired T.H. Davenport Co. in Ithaca, which later became True Insurance. Jerry and Nan moved to Ithaca in 1958 with their four young children-Jeff, Sally, Carol and Jay. As he built his insurance business, Jerry also became involved with politics. He served as a County Legislator on the Tompkins County Board of Supervisors and became Tompkins County Republican Chairman in the 1970s. His interest in his community lasted his entire life, with Board service on and support of many local organizations.

Even with these demands, Jerry always had time to coach or attend countless games, shows, recitals and events of his four children. And, later in life, Jerry and Nan attended every possible activity of their eight grandchildren, who also all graduated from Ithaca High School.

Throughout his life Jerry dealt with everyone honestly and with integrity. He had a smile and best wishes for everyone and loved his family above all else.

Jerry was predeceased by Nan in July, 2011, after 62 years of devoted marriage. He is survived by his four children and their spouses-Jeff (Sue Schattschneider), Sally (Tony Parise), Carol (Glen Palmer) and Jay (Sandy True); eight grandchildren-Allison True Jones, Jonathan True, Emily True Parise, Jennifer True Parise, Christopher True Parise, Nick True Palmer, Hillary True Palmer and Alex True; and one great grandchild-Henry True Parise-Rosen.

Jerry was interred in Pleasant Grove Cemetery at a private service.

A Memorial Service and public celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 11AM in St. John's Episcopal Church with a reception to follow immediately afterwards at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to a charity of your choice. The family is grateful to Jerry's caretakers who ensured his care and comfort during his last months of life.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Jerome True, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store .