Jerome Peter Wallin, Veteran, Longtime Resident & former Huntington Official Dies at 94

Jerome Peter “Jerry” Wallin, longtime resident, lawyer and former Huntington Assistant Town Attorney, died June 21, 2015.  He was 94. 

Born on April 21, 1921 in Brooklyn, NY where he was raised, Jerry attended Brooklyn Preparatory School and Brooklyn College, graduating from the latter in 1943.  He later earned his LLB from St John’s University School of Law in 1948.  In his early 20’s Jerry served in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 – 1946.  He was stationed in Iceland and in the Pacific theatre, first as an anti-aircraft gunner and later with the 742^nd Amphibious Tank Battalion.  Jerry was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Service Medal and European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal.

Jerry moved to Huntington in 1957 with his wife Margaret Mary where together they raised their family to which he was devoted.  He was in private practice with the Continental Insurance Company until 1969 when he was named Assistant Town Attorney for the Town of Huntington, a position he held until his retirement in 1986.   He continued to serve part-time as a parking bureau Hearing Officer until the early 1990’s.

During his many years as Assistant Town Attorney for the Town of Huntington, Jerry was known for his integrity and dedication to getting the Town’s business done.  He was involved in numerous matters involving land use and other areas of municipal law during a time of great change in the town, and the impact of his contributions and dedication can still be felt today.  Jerry’s work with the Town Attorney’s office ran the gamut from giving day-to-day advice to Town officials and residents to arguing cases before the Court of Appeals.

Former Huntington Town Councilman James Gaughran remembered Jerry as “someone whose broad institutional knowledge and succinct ability to deliver it” helped him immensely as a new town board member in the 1970s.  Jerry was well known for his easy going nature and ability to get along with people on both sides of the political fence.

Jerry was also active in local politics and served as a Democratic committeeman in Huntington from the early 1960’s through the 1990s.

In addition to his work as a lawyer Jerry loved reading, history and politics.  He was also an enthusiast and collector of electric trains, model cars and World War II memorabilia.

Jerry was the beloved father of, and is survived by, James Peter, Patricia and Mary. Proud grandfather of James Peter Jr., Thomas George, Katherine Grace and Sarah Elizabeth.  He was predeceased by his wife Margaret Mary (Gilvarry) and his son Jerome Raymond.

Arrangements were made by M.A. Connell Funeral Home in Huntington on June 28^th.  A funeral service was held the next day at the Church of St. Patrick in Huntington followed by interment at Church of St. Patrick Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his name can be made to VNS of Suffolk at 505 Main Street, Northport, N.Y. 11768.