Delmar Center Spotlights a Proud 96 Year-Old WWII Vet for 2020

Charles “Dutch or Dutchy” Northrup is a unique 96 year old Veteran and one of the friendliest people you'll ever want to meet at Delmar Center, the 120-bed nursing and rehabilitation facility on Rockefeller Road in Delmar. He was in the United States Army, serial number 32746065 – a number he said that will forever be drilled in his mind. He served for three years fighting in the South Pacific during WWII. Mr. Charles Northrup enlisted in 1942 at the age of 18 after one of his brothers got drafted so he decided to join “in the fight" as he recalls it. "Dutch" also spent 15 years in the US Army reserves as a Master Sargent.

Growing up in the town of Copeland Hill, New York, he was the fifth out of seven children. Unfortunately he is the only one living still out of all his siblings. Charles lost a brother at a very young age but all his remaining four brothers, plus himself, served in the Army. He referred to it as a “family affair”. Dutch was proud to serve and was proud of all he accomplished while he was fighting for his country. He said he would do it all over again. Among many things that the army taught him over the years, he was most proud of the several medals he was awarded. The medals included a Bronze star, Purple Heart, the Star of Liberation at the Philippians Islands, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Occupation of Japan medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Infantry Combat Badge. He is very proud of the time he spent in the service and grateful for everything he was awarded.

"Dutch is really amazing guy," said Lilly Platel, Recreation Director at Delmar Center. "He's not only someone who can give you a history lesson with a smile, he is purely an amazing genuine person."

When he decided to leave the service he felt like it was his time to retire and go. After leaving, Dutch took some down time for himself to just live life, enjoy and have fun. Shortly after returning home, he became a mechanic and truck driver, plus he worked at the Army depot for many years. He settled down in Selkirk, New York and got married to his wife Connie Marie where they raised three children, Nancy, Charles Jr. and Wilbur . He also has several grandchildren and great grandchildren who he loves and adores very much so. Dutch also took his family and moved to South Bethlehem, New York but now resigns at the Delmar Center in Delmar, New York.

According to Dutch, his goals these days is, "just to be happy, eat my hot balls and live until I’m 107 years old"... 107 being Dutch's lucky number. This number came up in many different situations and examples throughout his life so it has meaning behind it. Dutch used to play the number 107 in the lottery constantly and one day he won a very large amount. That’s the significance of 107 according to Dutch. He loves life and would be very happy to even live until 100. His favorite candy are Hot Balls and at Delmar Center, he always offers anyone a Hot Ball.

Dutch has been quite content with his life and he shows it being very popular at Delmar Center. He tells his story with a smile.