Harry J. Disch III

Harry J. Disch III, 71, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Glens Falls Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Yonkers, NY, and raised in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY; he was the son of Letitia and Harry Disch Jr.

Harry was an enthusiastic student and lifelong learner - earning his undergraduate degree from Empire State College followed by his graduate degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Upon completing his degree at RPI, he started his career at the Scientist Institute for Public Information in Manhattan. Harry continued his service to the public by developing a non-profit company, The Center for Media and Security, while spending most of his time traveling between New York and Washington, DC.

Early in life, Harry found his passion for the Adirondacks when his family bought a summer camp on Friends Lake. Harry spent every summer there and eventually moved to Chestertown, where he built his home next to the family camp.

Harry had a deep passion for the outdoors, both as an avid hunter and fisherman, which brought him to the most remote rivers, lakes and streams throughout the area. Harry preferred the peace of the woods and reveled in bagging a deer, cutting firewood, or catching a trout. If you knew Harry, you knew he was a master storyteller, lover of archeology, and a secret poet.

Besides his parents he is predeceased by his brother P.O. Jeffrey Disch.

Harry is survived by his loving life partner, Jennifer Bird (his Sweet Jenny); his sister, Carol Goody (Bruce); his niece, Elizabeth Rausch (Joseph); and his nephew, William Harry Goody (Ashley Stearns). Harry also leaves behind a lifelong group of loving friends and his beloved cat, Kitten.

There will be a graveside service at Chester Rural Cemetery State Rte 9 Chestertown on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2 p.m. with a celebration of life to follow.

If you wish, donations may be made to The Adirondack Community Outreach Center.

His family would like to thank his friends as well as the doctors, nurses and staff at Glens Falls Hospital and Warrensburg EMS for their exceptional care and support.

In honor of how Harry would end conversations with loved ones, "Onwards!"

Arrangements are entrusted to Barton-McDermott Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Pine St. Chestertown, NY 12817.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post-Star on Aug. 21, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Disch

Sponsored by Barton-McDermott Funeral Home Inc.

6 Entries

Tom Speyer

August 28, 2025

Imagine how trustworthy you have to be to have as journalism sources most of the top military officials in the country - that was Harry. Also rare for a guy that brilliant to be so down to earth and also funny. Miss you, Harry.

Susan Andonucci

August 25, 2025

Sweet, brilliant, funny, kind Harry. You will be greatly missed. But we will feel you on the breeze, in the earthy scent of the forests, the beauty of flowers, and all things in nature. Onward in your memory!

Ann Mullen Twibell

August 25, 2025

Miss my friend. Heartbroken.

Michael and Patti Burns

August 23, 2025

Harry Disch, you will be missed.
Love ya, Mike and Patti Burns

Louise Bain Clemenger

August 21, 2025

I am so sorry to hear this. I baby sat (kept him busy) Harry in our Hastings 'hood. When Jeff and Carol Ann came along I kept up with them as well. So glad to read of his accomplishments.

Mark Thompson

August 21, 2025

So sorry to hear of Harry´s passing. I knew him for more than 30 years as a member of the Defense Writers Group in Washington, which he ran. He embraced irrational exuberance, whether in his love for the outdoors, his vast knowledge and pointed point of view on national security matters, or his wry observations on the capital´s craziness. While I didn´t always agree with him on the issues of the day, I always delighted in his mirthful irascibility. It´s fitting to learn that he built his home on Friends Lake. Godspeed, friend. You done good. Condolences to family and friends.

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