Jerome Peter Wallin dies; WW II veteran, ex-Huntington assistant town attorney, was 94

Jerome Peter Wallin, a former assistant town attorney in Huntington and World War II veteran, has died, his family said. He was 94.

The respected lawyer died June 21 at an assisted living facility in East Northport. The cause of death was complications of old age, relatives said.

"Jerry," as Wallin was known to family and friends, served as assistant town attorney in Huntington from 1969 through 1986, developing a reputation as a skilled litigator known for his "integrity and dedication to getting the town's business done," said his son, James Wallin of Huntington.

Jerry Wallin worked skillfully on numerous issues involving land use and municipal law, "and the impact of his contributions and dedication can still be felt today," James Wallin said.

The elder Wallin'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 appellate court judges, his family said.

Former Huntington Town Councilman James Gaughran remembered Wallin as "someone whose broad institutional knowledge and succinct ability to deliver it" helped him as a new town board member in the 1970s.

Born April 21, 1921, in Brooklyn, Wallin attended Brooklyn Preparatory School and Brooklyn College, graduating in 1943. He received a law degree from St. John's University School of Law in 1948, his family said.

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Before studying law, Wallin served in the Army from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed in Iceland and the Pacific, first as an anti-aircraft gunner and later with the 742nd Amphibious Tank Battalion, relatives said.

Wallin was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal and European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, his family said.

Wallin moved to Huntington in 1957 with his wife, Margaret, where the couple raised their children.

He worked in private practice with Continental Insurance Co. until 1969, when he was named assistant town attorney for the Town of Huntington, a position he held until his retirement.

Wallin continued to serve part time as a parking bureau hearing officer until the early 1990s, his family said. He also served as a Democratic committeeman in Huntington from the early 1960s through the 1990s.

In addition to his work as a lawyer, Wallin loved reading, history and politics, relatives said. He also collected electric trains, model cars and World War II memorabilia.

In addition to his son, Wallin is survived by daughters Patricia of Huntington and Mary of Port Jefferson; and four grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Mary; his brother Raymond; and a son, Jerome.

Contributions in his name can be made to Visiting Nurse Services and Hospice of Suffolk at 505 Main St., Northport, NY 11768.