Write a commentGerald James Ringes (Jerry), 84, a resident of Springside at Seneca Hill in Oswego, NY, passed away Monday, June 8, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 30, 1935, the son of the late Alexander Joseph Ringes, and Laura (Brisky) Ringes.
Jerry was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, and received his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California.
He was a career officer in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Major, and served as a pilot in the Vietnam War. Jerry and his wife, Ina (Dean) Ringes, raised their family in a number of locations across the US, finally settling in Michigan when he retired from the Air Force in 1977. Following his Air Force career, he worked as a pilot for the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan, based in Ann Arbor and also had a number of entrepreneurial pursuits. He and his wife of 60 years moved to Oswego in 2014. Ina passed away in 2018.
He is survived by his sister, Carol Newton of Grand Rapids, Michigan; two daughters, Betty Ann Ringes of Oswego, and Christine (Thomas) Kearns of Oswego; and two sons, Mark (Dawn) Ringes of Connecticut, and Joseph Ringes of Missouri; and eight beloved grandchildren. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Nicole Elena Ringes.
Jerry lived a life of service to his country, his community, his church and his family. He was a source of strength and inspiration for all who knew him and was light-hearted and easy going. He was an avid sports fan, particularly of his beloved Detroit professional teams and the University of Michigan.
Services in Oswego will be private.
Burial with military honors will be in Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory can be made to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York.
Arrangements are in care of the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Oswego, NY.
