Columbus "Chris" Disabato

Columbus ‘Chris’ Disabato, 94, a former longtime resident of Blue Island, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in McHenry. He was born on October 12, 1923 in Altoona, PA to Pasquale and Lucia (nee Labriola).

Chris grew up curious and industrious on the family farm. He graduated from Eisenhower High School in Blue Island.  In 1945, he married Sylvia Rubino and together they raised their daughter, Christine and son, Alan. Chris served in the US Army from 1945 to 1946 then worked as a lieutenant for 30 years for the Investigations Department of the Secretary of State and was instrumental in winning the extended mandatory retirement age issue.

He was particularly known for his 38 years of involvement in the City of Blue Island where he served as the interim mayor, treasurer and alderman making him the longest serving elected official in the history of Blue Island. He was also instrumental in Main Street Blue Island which helped save Blue Island from destructive changes proposed by the Illinois Department of transportation and served countless years as an ambassador and fund raiser. In addition, he was very active as a 4th Degree Knight through the Blue Island council of the Knights of Columbus that served the St. Donatus Church.

Chris’ true love was family which he served unconditionally. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his daughter, Christine (Larry) Cannon and son, Alan; grandchildren, Shawn, Chad (Torrie) Zambon, Kelly (Nathan) Turney, Shane (Mat) Lincoln, Ryan, Quint, Ross, Mark (Amy) Cannon and Susan (Rob) Marks; and his great-grandchildren, Taylor, Josh, Kendall, Charlie, Isabelle, Ethan, Aliya, Evan, Tait, Sydney and Logan. He is further survived by his siblings, Michael (Pat), Jane (Ray) Olley, Louise Cahill and Rudy (Evie); and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dan, Sandy and Connie; and sisters, Millie, Virginia and Helen.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 beginning with visitation at 10:30 AM followed by a Mass Celebration at 11:30 AM at St. George Catholic Church, 6707 175th St. Tinley Park, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Chris’ name to the American Heart Association.