Obituary of John Waldie Gullen

John Waldie Gullen, lifelong Waccabuc resident died on Sunday December 1st, 2024, at 100 years old.

Waldie was born in Waccabuc in 1924 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 80 years. He served in World War II as a combat infantryman in the European Theater from 1943-1946 where he received the Bronze Star. He returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Miller, in 1947 and they were together for 72 happy years. He was a long-time local business owner of the 5th Division Market in Cross River with his childhood best friend Ralph Felice. He was a founding member of the Lewisboro Lions Club, started 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, where his family still proudly gathers to this day.

Waldie was an avid outdoorsman. If he wasn’t golfing, hunting, fishing, or spending time with his family, he could often be found laughing (and winning) around a card table.

Waldie Gullen was a beloved family patriarch and a uniquely celebrated pillar of the Lewisboro community. He lived the life he loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by two sons, Jack (Ann) & George (Theresa), four grandchildren Heather (Chip), Christie, John (Angie), Victoria (Matt), and five great grandchildren who were lucky to spend their lives close to him and will carry on his legacy for years to come. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the South Salem Fire Department in Waldie’s name. Cards and memories are welcome and can be shared with Jack and Ann Gullen through Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah.