Charles was a graduate of Scio High School and worked for many years at Worthington-Turbodyne as an inspector calibrating micrometers and gages. He retired in 1980.
During WWII, Charlie was a Private 1st Class in the 1st Infantry Division, Big Red 1, of the US Army and participated in campaigns in North Africa and Sicily. He was part of the first wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day. General Eisenhower, "Ike," when reviewing the troops just before the D-Day invasion, singled out Charlie to talk with, asking where he was from and telling him the United States Military had one more big job for him to do. At the Battle of the Bulge, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery. Charles was also awarded the Purple Heart and various medals and commendations from the United States, New York State and Normandy. Recently he was awarded the Republic of France's Legion of Honor, one of France's highest awards, for his service in helping to free France in WWII. Charlie never talked much about the war. When he came home, like so many servicemen, he put the war behind him, went to work, cared for his family and volunteered in his community striving to make a better world.
After the war he married his loving wife of 43 years, Faith Bryson Hull of Wellsville, who predeceased him in 1989. He is also predeceased by his sisters Helen Hull (Glenn) Jones and Corretha Hull (Wilber) Palmer, both of Scio.
For nearly 65 years, Charlie Hull was a volunteer fireman, starting out at 16 as a Torch Boy for the Scio Fire Department and eventually becoming Chief of the Wellsville Fire Department. He was a proud member, captain and president of the Dyke Street Engine Company and worked with his fellow members to build the Company's present building from the ground up. He always pulled his weight in any project. Charlie also served as President of the Allegany County Fireman's Association and held life memberships in the Allegany County and New York State Firemen's Association and the Wellsville American Legion Post 702.
At the First United Methodist Church in Wellsville, Charlie had been an active member, trustee and president. He, also was a 32-degree Mason and had been a member of the Wellsville F&AM Lodge #230, Corning Consistory and Wellsville Chapter RAM. Charlie was a founding member of the Wellsville Ambulance Corps. Charles is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Rosalia (Zalie) Hull and Robert Linn of Manlius, N.Y.; nieces, Donna Muir, Cheryl Boyer and Wende Greene and nephew, Robert Jones; several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, along with his grand dogs, Darby and Brinkley.
The family wishes to thank his great friends, Manor Hills and UR Jones Memorial Hospital staff for their caring, which made Charlie's last years and days dignified and comfortable.
On Saturday (Feb. 4, 2017) the family will receive visitors at 10 a.m. at the Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, 296 N. Main St. in Wellsville, N.Y. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Dyke Street Engine Co. or UR Jones Memorial Hospital of Wellsville.
