Honoree Harry Berglin

Harry E. Berglin was a lifetime resident of Hampton Bays and was born in the hamlet on September 22, 1931. He graduated from Hampton Bays High School in 1949, then enlisted in the United States Navy in August of 1950. His first military experience was at the United States Naval Training Center in Newport, RI. Upon completion of training, he was assigned to the U. S. Naval Submarine Base in New London, CT. During his military career, he spent time on the U.S.S. Fulton, a 530-foot submarine tender whose primary assignment at this time was as tender for Submarine Squadron 10.  Mr. Berglin often spoke of the time he spent on the ship in the waters of the North Atlantic, especially in the areas near Newfoundland and Iceland. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged on June 21, 1954.

Upon his return to Hampton Bays, Mr. Berglin worked as a commercial fisherman and raised 5 children (Janice Berglin, Christine Berglin Pandolfo, Harry Berglin, Thomas Berglin, and Richard Berglin) with his wife Mary, formerly from Naugatuck, CT. The two had met at the base in New London where Mary had taken a chance day trip with a close friend. They were married for 43 wonderful years. Mr. Berglin was very active in his community including services as the president of the Southampton Town Baymen's Association, director of the Long Island Fisherman's Association, chairman of the Southampton Town Conservative Party, president of the Hampton Bays Booster Club, and as a member of the Hampton Bays Lions Club and American Legion. He was also active in local youth basketball leagues, Little League, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and served as president of the Hampton Bays Board of Education for two of his six years of service on the board.  Mr. Berglin passed away on July 4, 1998.