Obituary: Gordon Wren Sr., Former Fire Chief

HILLCREST, NY — Gordon W. Wren, Sr., an elder statesman among Rockland County firefighters, died Feb. 4, 2020. He was 98.

Mr. Wren was an 80-year life member of the Hillcrest Fire Company No. 1, joining before he left for World War II and resuming as a volunteer when he returned. He served as chief from 1949 until 1952. He served as the fire company's financial secretary for decades. In addition, he was the treasurer for the Moleston Fire District for many years. He was a charter member of the Rockland County Fire Chiefs Association and was active in the Rockland County Firefighters Association as well as numerous other organizations.

"I found Gordon to be a very strong yet humble man. He was extremely dedicated to not only the Hillcrest Fire Company but to the fire service in Rockland County," said Director of Fire and Emergency Services Chris Kear. "Fondly known to many as ‘Gutch’ or just simply ‘Mr. Wren,’ he served as a mentor to many. When Mr. Wren spoke, people listened. He would only really speak up when it was necessary, always a voice of reason. Always a hardworking man but having time for the firehouse. I had many great conversations with him. One of the fondest I remember was when I had mentioned about the good old days. He quickly responded ‘what was so good about those days? We had open cabs on our fire trucks, rode outside on the back steps, no breathing apparatus to go into fires and rubber coats, boots and gloves”. I remember that conversation like it was yesterday. This will be a tremendous loss of knowledge, history and experience."

Born Oct. 10, 1921 to William and Irena (Myles) Wren, Mr. Wren graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1939. After the war, he worked for Weiner Brothers Plumbing and Heating. A plumber and steamfitter, he was a member of Local 373. He was a member of American Legion Post 1600 in Pomona.

Mr. Wren is predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Dorothy Jones of Hillcrest. He is survived by his 3 sons, Gordon Jr. (Robin), Gary (Eileen) and Tim (Kathleen), his grandchildren, Alexandra Wren, Kimberly O’Gorman(Kieran), Christopher Wren (Christine), Jack, Noelle and Kevin Wren, and his precious great grandchildren, Allie O’Gorman, Alexander and Jameson Wren to whom he was lovingly known as "Poppy."

Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Hillcrest Fire House, 374 N. Main St., Spring Valley, NY 10977. A service will be held Saturday at the fire house.

Donations in Mr. Wren's memory may be made to CUPON Inc., 75 N. Middletown Road, Nanuet, NY 10954.

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home in New City is handling the arrangements.