By JEFF MORRIS
John Waldie Gullen, a lifelong Waccabuc resident who attended a one-room schoolhouse and was awarded the Bronze Star as an infantryman in World War II, died Dec. 1. He was 100 years old.
Gullen was born Nov. 12, 1924, in Waccabuc, where his parents and uncle settled to work at Waccabuc Country Club after immigrating from Scotland.
He attended the one-room schoolhouse on Schoolhouse Road and graduated from Katonah High School in 1943.
He joined the South Salem Fire Department in 1942 where he was a member for over 81 years. He served in World War II as a combat infantryman in the European Theater from 1943-1946, where he received the Bronze Star.
After returning home he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Miller, in 1947, and they were together 72 years.
Gullen was the longtime owner of the 5th Division Market in Cross River along with his childhood best friend, Ralph Felice. He was a founding member of the Lewisboro Lions Club in 1958. His favorite camping spot as a boy on Lake Waccabuc later became the site of the home he built for his family in 1959.
An avid outdoorsman, Gullen enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing, spending time with his family, and could often be found laughing (and winning) around a card table.
In December 2021, Gullen was one of several World War II veterans honored by Westchester County Executive George Latimer on the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.
Latimer noted that Gullen graduated from Katonah High School, joined the U.S. Army, and was part of the 70th Infantry Division, called the “Trailblazers.” He took a 500-mile trip in boxcars to Alsace in France, and then marched 10 miles to participate in the Battle of the Bulge.
“He certainly served his country with distinction and in the heart of war,” Latimer said.
In April 2023, both state Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Chris Burdick honored Gullen during a special ceremony at the South Salem Fire Department’s annual Inspection Dinner.
Harckham presented Gullen with a Senate Proclamation for his 81 years of service as a volunteer firefighter, as well as his service in World War II, when as part of the “Greatest Generation,” he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an infantryman in Europe, and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. “Waldie Gullen deserves our gratitude and appreciation for his loyal service as a firefighter, soldier and stalwart community supporter,” Harckham said. “His heroism and leadership stand as an example to us all.”
Burdick also honored Gullen at the dinner, presenting him with a citation from the New York State Assembly, honoring him for his remarkable service. “His selfless service has been a hallmark throughout his life, going back to his time as a member of the combat infantry during World War II, where his bravery won him a Bronze Star for heroic achievement,” Burdick said. “His love of country and community was also reflected in his years of service to Lewisboro, where he has not only been a pillar of the SSFD, but also was a founding member of the Lewisboro Lions Club and served for three decades on the Republican Town Committee.”
Burdick added, “it was a pleasure to be on hand to recognize and honor Waldie — a true pillar of the community.”
The South Salem Fire Department hosted a celebration of Gullen’s 100th birthday Nov. 11. County Legislator Erika Pierce was in attendance, and said, “We salute him today and again wish him a happy birthday in advance of his turning 100 tomorrow! Nov. 16 will be Waldie’s third ‘official day’ in Westchester County, but as his granddaughter so wisely said at the celebration, every day should be Waldie’s day.”
On hearing of Gullen’s passing, Lewisboro Town Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said he was fortunate to have known him for almost 25 years. He also noted Gullen served in Europe during World War II, and later on continued to serve by becoming a founding member of the Lewisboro Lions Club in 1958.
“The club’s motto is ‘We Serve’ and Waldie exemplified that motto,” Gonçalves said.
“I got to know Waldie when I first joined the Lewisboro Lions Club,” added Gonçalves. “I was impressed by his commitment to giving back to his community for so many years. I was honored to take part in his being honored for his 80 years anniversary with the South Salem Fire Department, and then a few weeks ago for his 100th birthday celebration. I will miss hearing Waldie›s stories about his military service, Lions projects and about Lewisboro, including how he and his friends would play stickball on what is today Route 35 in Cross River, with not one car in sight. Waldie will be missed.”
Gullen was described as a beloved family patriarch and uniquely celebrated pillar of the Lewisboro community. He is survived by two sons, Jack (Ann) and George (Theresa); four grandchildren, Heather (Chip), Christie, John (Angie), Victoria (Matt); and five great- grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the South Salem Fire Department in Waldie’s name at southsalemfire.com/content/donations. Cards and memories are welcome and can be shared with Jack and Ann Gullen through Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah, at clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com.