John W. Slinn Sr.

John W. Slinn Sr.

John W. Slinn Sr. passed away on Monday, October 14, 2019, in Oxford, Fla. He was 96 years old.

Born April 12, 1923, in Manhattan, the youngest of four brothers, “Whoopie” Slinn grew up in White Plains and spent summers with his family on their farm on Slinn Avenue in Spring Valley, where they eventually settled.

He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War 2, stationed with the Sea-Bees in Hawaii. While serving his country, he married his high school sweetheart Leona Smith.

In 1952, they settled in Washingtonville to raise their two sons, becoming very active in the small-town community. One of his proudest accomplishments was to be one of the founding members of the Washingtonville Little League in 1958, coaching both of his sons for The Cubs.

While being involved with the Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts, Stag & Lions Clubs, he ran a successful insurance business out of his home and was a long-time Blooming Grove Tax Assessor.

After retirement, he spent time enjoying his favorite hobbies: travelling, poker, horseshoes, plucking his guitar or playing the piano to accompany his favorite folk songs, country tunes or Irish ballads.

He will long be remembered as a generous, even-tempered man with an easy smile and tall tale to tell.

“Pappy” Slinn was predeceased by his beloved wife Leona; his parents Clarence Sr. and Helen Slinn; his three brothers; Clarence Slinn Jr., Duncan Slinn and Richard Slinn Sr. He is survived by his sons John Slinn Jr. and his wife Lynn Germiller of Monroe and Wayne Slinn and his wife Jo-Ann of Newtown, Conn.; his three granddaughters: Casey Slinn, Nicole Naclerio and Michelle Slinn; and three great-grandsons: John, Jase and Noah.

Burial services will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made in his memory to Washongtonville Little League, Attn: Scott Davy, PO Box 246, Washingtonville NY 10992.