Fred Disharoon

John Frederick Disharoon, 71, left this world on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. He was born on September 19, 1944 at Peninsula General Hospital in Salisbury, a son of the late Dorothy S. and John M. Disharoon. He was very fortunate to marry his high school sweetheart, Patricia A. Winfree with many years of happiness for 51 years of marriage. He always said, ''you work together, that's what makes it happen.” Fred grew up in Delmar, Maryland and was very active in the community. By pure accident he was elected the youngest mayor in the U.S. at the time and it was published on the A/P wire service. During his time as councilman and mayor, he, along with others, developed Delmar's comprehensive plan, Planning and Zoning, and City Manager form of government with upgrades in the legal counsel and police departments. This was the upturn of Delmar. He was a past president and life member of the Delmar Fire Dept., president of Delmar Lions Club and Lion of the year many times. On a weekly basis, he contributed to a local newspaper a column entitled “The Laurel Lions Den” and signed it “Leo the Lion.” This was followed by many people. He dedicated more than 35 years of his life to his employment at Pepsi Cola. His position as Director of on Premises covered much. He was very successful at changing historically Coke accounts like fire departments, hospitals, state fairs, special events, racetracks, ball parks, schools colleges, major fast food chains, restaurants and more. He worked very closely with parent Pepsi as to funding sponsorship for accounts such as civic centers, NASCAR at Dover Downs, Shore Birds, and other major accounts. One of his favorite stories is the Thrasher French Fry Story. Thrasher had only sold french fries since their conception. After meeting with the owner, they agreed their customers were buying the fries and getting their drinks elsewhere. That didn't make sense at all. After working the deal, they put in Pepsi. That included a Pepsi logo on every Thrasher tub and that still exists today, as they still sell Pepsi. About the same time, Pepsi became the official soft drink of Ocean City; and a 70 percent market share on Delmarva. His family always came first, and the Pepsi story was his life. In his last years, he was a very active Lion and helped others. He is survived by his wife Patricia; a daughter Dawn Rothermel and husband Dan; granddaughters Zoe and Bay; a son John Patrick (Rick) Disharoon and wife Sherry; grandson Ryan and wife Amber; granddaughter Jaclyn and her friend Nick Cooper; granddaughter Molly Hearn and fiancé Cody Thompson; granddaughter Whitney Ewell and husband Eric; great grandchildren Colin, Lucas, Charleigh, and Peyton; and a brother Steve Disharoon and his companion Jane Flowers. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at St Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 101 East State Street in Delmar. A visitation for family and friends will be held at the church from 9:00 to 10:00 am. The Reverend Phyllis Walton will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Laurel Lions Club (Foundation Account), P.O. Box 10, Laurel, Delaware. 19956. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar, Delaware. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Fred Disharoon

September 19, 1944 - June 8, 2016