Obituary of John F. Gulbin

JOHN F. GULBIN, Esq. WW2 COMBAT GLIDER PILOT John F. Gulbin, 98, of Staten Island, NY died on January 6, 2021 at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ. Mr. Gulbin was born in Brooklyn and has been a resident of Staten Island since 1953. He attended and graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School, joined the military, attended Columbia University and graduated from New York Law School. He was admitted to the practice of law in New York in 1953. Prior to World War II, Mr. Gulbin was a member of Battery K, 245 Coast Artillery, NYNG. His unit was federalized in September 1940 and, in 1942, Mr. Gulbin transferred to the U.S. Army Air Corp and served as a combat glider pilot as part of the 47th Troop Carrier Squadron, 313th Troop Carrier Group, obtaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He participated in the airborne invasion of Holland and was awarded the Air Medal, a Purple Heart and the Netherlands Military Order of William. He was discharged from the service in October 1945. After graduating from high school, Mr. Gulbin worked for Bell Telephone Laboratories until his NYNG unit was federalized. He returned to work after his service ended, he pursued his education at night, transferring to the New York Telephone Co. as an Attorney and later as a District Manager Commercial. He retired in February 1982. Mr. Gulbin was a member of the North Shore Post VFW 7172, American Legion Aviators Post 743, World War II National Glider Pilots Association, American Miniature Schnauzer Club, the Staten Island Kennel Club, and was a past president of the Staten Island Companion Dog Club. He and his wife Joan were involved in the breeding and showing of Miniature Schnauzers with national success. He was an avid reader, stamp collector and model railroad enthusiast and loved gardening. He was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church, West Brighton where he served as an usher for many years. Mr. Gulbin is survived by his sons John, Christopher and Robert and a daughter, Marcella, and eight grandchildren. His wife of 65+ years, Joan, and a daughter, Barbara, predeceased him. Services will be private. A memorial Mass will be celebrated for the participation of friends and family at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Silent Wings Museum Foundation, 6202 N. I-27, Lubbock, TX 79403.