John Watson "Brud" Golden Jr., 99, a lifelong resident of Hyde Park, died in his 100th year at home on June 23, 2023, after a long and active life.

He was born at home in Hyde Park on January 10, 1924, the son of John Watson Golden and Louise Traudt Golden.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gloria, after seventy-two years of marriage; his son, Jonathan; grandson, Alex; and sisters, Adeline Foley and Isabelle Seagren.

Survivors include his daughter, Elizabeth Hilton, and her husband, Gary; sister, Gwen Cookingham; and several nieces and nephews.

He always believed a miracle called the Reverend Gordon Kidd to St. James' Episcopal Church, where he met the Pastor's daughter, the most beautiful person he had ever seen, on Christmas Eve 1946, and they were married on August 26, 1950.

John graduated in the first class at FDR High School in 1941. While a student, he played football, baseball, and captained the basketball team.

He attended Cortland State College and left to join the Army Air Force in late 1942. He served in the 8th Air Force in England with the 491st Bomb Group during World War II. At the end of the War, he enrolled at Syracuse University , graduating in 1949. He was employed by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., later joining his father in real estate development.

John was a lifelong communicant of St. James' Episcopal Church, serving as a Vestryman and Warden for many years. He was a Life-Member of the Hyde Park Fire Department, member of the American Legion, and former President of the Northern Dutchess Hospital Board. He also served with the Wells Manor Board, Northern Dutchess Foundation, Winnakee Land Trust, Hudson River Housing, and the Roosevelt – Vanderbilt Association.

He was honored to have represented Hyde Park Scouting at the first National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1937, enjoying a visit with then President Roosevelt.

He loved telling of Hyde Park's past and being called "Mr. Hyde Park." He and Gloria were especially proud of the Hyde Park Police and Court Building named in their honor, and to have received the Eleanor Roosevelt Medal at Val-Kill. He also was honored by New Horizons and the Dutchess County Historical Society, named Grand Marshall of the 2008 Hyde Park 4th of July Parade, received Businessman of the Year award, inducted into the FDR High School Hall of Fame, and awarded the St. James' Medal.

He chaired the committee to restore the old Hyde Park Town Center and the restoration of the St. James' Chapel. Always a champion of open space, John's land along the Hudson became the start of the Winnakee Trail System. He also gifted lands to the Town of Hyde Park, Hyde Park Central School District, and the Staatsburg Fire Department.

John's family would like to thank his caregivers, Jeanine, Donna, and Beverly for their special care along with the friends from Hudson Valley Hospice.

There will be no calling hours. John's burial service will be officiated by the Rev. Meredith Kadet Sanderson, with the Rev. Chuck Kramer as preacher, at 10 AM, Friday, June 30th, at St. James' Episcopal Church, 4526 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park. (To livestream the service, please visit  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlaMGu7bWfQ)

Interment will take place in the St. James' Churchyard followed by a reception at the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the Golden family respectfully request memorial contributions to the Hyde Park Food Pantry , PO Box 171, Hyde Park, NY 12538 (www.hpfoodpantry.org), or the charity of your choice would be welcomed.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Hyde Park. To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit John's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.