SHARE

Owner Of Westchester Staple Walter's Hot Dogs Dies At 95

Eugene Warrington, a lifetime resident of Mamaroneck and the owner of the iconic Westchester staple Walter's Hot Dogs in town, died on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the age of 95, surrounded by his loved ones.

Eugene Warrington

Eugene Warrington

Photo Credit: Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home

He was born March 13, 1922, to Walter and Rose (nee Sansone) Warrington. He attended Holy Trinity School and graduated from Mamaroneck High School, where he excelled in baseball, football and wrestling.

He was a Mamaroneck High School Hall-of-Famer and Vice President of his senior class.

Gene proudly served his country in WWII on US Navy PT boat 568, the Yuri Kaze, stationed in the South Pacific.

After the war, Gene joined his parents who had established Walter’s Hot Dogs in 1919, and eventually took over the business in the 1950s.

Because of his hard work, insistence on quality products, and focus on customer service, Walter’s has become a national landmark and vibrant part of the Westchester business community with a customer base which spans generations.

Gene was extremely active in the Mamaroneck community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as a District Leader for the Republican Party for 20 years. He was a past president of the Old Timers’ Athletic Association and belonged to the American Legion for 71 years.

In 1945, he joined the BPOE Lodge 1457 (one of whose founders was his father, Walter) where he served both the local lodge and national organization in leadership roles, even now as trustee.

Gene was honored in 2015 by the Mamaroneck Historical Society for his many years of service, and in October 2016, received a 70-year service award from Hook and Ladder Co. #1.

Gene was a gentle man: kind and loving, with a charming smile and quick wit. He found joy in his family, especially his grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Pop.” He rarely missed one of their ball games, recitals, or plays, and family vacations with “Pop” are still fondly remembered.

His example, in business and life, taught them a strong work ethic, moral sense, and spirit of service.

He also had an exceptional voice and would always croon a love song to his wife, Gloria, at family celebrations.

Others who knew him as “Uncle Gene,” are quick to share stories of the generosity and kindness of “the best boss anyone could have.”

He was a true Gentleman who exemplified “the Greatest Generation.” Gene was the beloved husband of Gloria (nee DiLorenzo) with whom he would have celebrated their 70th anniversary this November. 

He is survived by his daughters, Christine Warrington and Jeanne Fellows (Peter); loving grandchildren, Christine Sand (Kelly), Elisabeth DiDato, Gene-Christian Baca, Sabrina Peduto (Frank), Katharine Woodward, and Natalie Fellows; and a great granddaughter, Ashley Grace Peduto.

To honor Gene's life and celebrate a life well-lived, family and friends may call on Tuesday, Aug. 29 and Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home, 767 East Boston Post Rd., Mamaroneck.

Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. at Sts. John & Paul R.C. Church followed by entombment at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

For more information or to place an online condolence, visit www.coxeandgraziano.com.

to follow Daily Voice Putnam and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE