Eugene “Uncle Gene” Warrington, owner of Walter’s Hot Dogs in Mamaroneck, died on Saturday, Aug. 26. He was 95.
Warrington worked as the owner of Walter’s for more than 65 years, after taking over the business from his father and founder of Walter’s, Walter Warrington.
“[Eugene Warrington] made the business what it is today,” said Gene-Christian Baca, head of business and product development for Walter’s and Eugene Warrington’s grandson.
Baca explained that Eugene Warrington was 3 years old when his father founded Walter’s, and that he grew up working in the business.
Baca said that his grandfather was always looking to enhance Walter’s, explaining that Eugene Warrington even learned how to make his own ice cream and Italian ice, something that he would later add to the menu.
Along with the desserts, Baca remembers Eugene Warrington making Walter’s signature mustard and jar the batches by himself.
“One thing about our customer base is that they’re so loyal,” Baca said. “They’re so dedicated, and a lot of that has to do with identifying my grandfather [with] Walter’s.”
Eugene Warrington was also alive to see the birth of the Walter’s food truck and planned storefront expansions in White Plains and Stamford, Connecticut this year.
When he wasn’t working at the Mamaroneck location, Eugene Warrington was heavily involved in the Mamaroneck community, where he lived all his life.
He was the oldest current member of the Knights of Columbus Mamaroneck, a Catholic service organization; he was also a part of the Mamaroneck Historical Society, which works to preserve the village’s history; and he served as a volunteer firefighter for 71 years.
“He’s just an all-around great guy,” said village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum.
Warrington was a father to two daughters, Christine Warrington and Jeanne Fellows, and a grandfather to Elisabeth, Christine, Gene-Christian, Sabrina, Katherine and Natalie, and great-grandfather to Ashley Grace.
Baca explained that family was important to Eugene Warrington and his wife of 69 years, Gloria.
Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Eugene’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or St. Joseph’s Indian School.
“While it’s sad he died, he did live to 95, and I can tell you it was a life well lived,” Rosenblum said.
