John Matthew Hula Sr.

He graduated from Alexander High School in Elmsford, New York. After graduation he joined the US Air Force. He worked in the 3387 TT Squadron (SAGE) in Saratoga Springs, NY and Stewart Airforce Base in Newburg New York. He was honorably discharged in 1961 as an Airman First Class.

John married his High School sweetheart, Barbara Capone in 1959. Together they raised 3 children; John Matthew, Jr (Marylynn), Kevin Michael (Jamie) and Susan Marie. He was the proud grandpa of 8; Matthew, Alex and Nicholas Hula, Katherine Hula Squires (Brandt) Jesse and Jacob Hula and Dylan and Maddie Rose Duyck. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his first Great Grandchild in July.

Upon discharge from the Air Force John worked for EJ Korvette in Scarsdale, NY, where he was the executive manager of home goods. In 1963 he was offered a job in sales by the Vice President of Trans World Airlines. The vice president had been a customer and was impressed by his sales ability and his honesty.

John accepted the offer and moved his family to Bethel, CT which was close to his assigned sales office and also easy access to executive offices in Manhattan.

During the 22 years he lived in Bethel he was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of St. Mary Church where he taught CCD to High School Juniors and Seniors. In 1968, John, along with men from Bethel, Newtown, Danbury and Redding, CT formed the first Pop Warner Football League in western Connecticut. He went on to coach the Bethel Bobcats and Bulldogs. John was also instrumental in forming the Bethel High School Football Booster Club where he served many offices.

During his 27 years with Trans World Airlines, John excelled in leadership and sales, winning quarterly and annual awards of excellence. He was a member of many travel organizations and won many awards for his contributions to the airline and travel industry. His years with TWA gave him the opportunity to travel the world extensively. He was a proud ambassador for TWA escorting travel agents on familiarization trips to cities and countries TWA served. John delighted in surprising his children with a quick 24-hour getaway to San Francisco. Every summer he would take his family on adventurous vacations.

When TWA began service to PDX in 1983, he was promoted to Manager, Passenger Sales and was transferred to Oregon. He and Barbara bought a home in Beaverton where they resided until 2011. John loved Oregon, his adopted state. Often telling people it was always 72 degrees and sunny, no matter the weather.

In 1991 he retired from TWA which by then was American Airlines. He then worked in sales for various companies and volunteered for the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce. He was responsible for the building the first two floats that Hillsboro entered in the Rose Festival Parade. Both floats won prestigious awards. In 1992, he was named Washington County Visitors Association Volunteer of the Year.

He was a member of the Benevolent Order of Elks and enjoyed his weekly Wednesday lunches at the Lodge, in Hillsboro.

John had always dreamed of living in Ocenco Station. In 2011 that dream became a reality. There he found many friends, love and support. He loved dinner parties, soup nights, summer days on the deck (aka the Hula Hut) and Thanksgiving dinner with as many folks as he could fit at the extended table he made. Most of all, he loved Happy Hour where everyone was always welcome; the doors were always open. His favorite greeting when one would visit: “may I get you something to sip on?”

After you read this, I suggest you “get something to sip on” and toast John Hula.