Updated: Aug 14
Former Belle Mead 45 Fire Chief, Grew up in historic Skillman Village
November 3, 1936 - August 7, 2025
Dan Calver Pullen rode the heavenly fire truck to his last call. He died on August 7, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born in 1936, Dan spent his first 12 years growing up in the State Village in Skillman, NJ, where his father was the resident dentist. He then moved with his parents Cliff and Dorothy and his sister Linda to Belle Mead, from where they attended Princeton High School. He left for college at Franklin and Marshall University, and dental school at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors.
He met his wife Lynda on a blind date while in dental school. They were married on July 8, 1961 when he completed his dental boards, and they left for Great Lakes Naval Training Center three days later so he could report for two years of active duty.
Their oldest daughter Susan was born in the Navy hospital in Waukegan, IL in 1963. When he finished his active duty, he and Lynda moved back to Belle Mead, where he joined his father’s dental practice and they built the house that they lived in for the rest of his life. When the house was completed in 1965, he opened his dental practice and their second daughter Nancy was born.
His practice, Hillsborough Dentistry, has been a community mainstay and recently celebrated 60 years of operations. Dr. Dan, as he was known to many, was honored as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. The practice grew to include four dentists, consistently employed a staff of about 20, and provided dental care to thousands of people.
Throughout his life, Dan was dedicated to the service of others. In addition to building a thriving dental practice, Dan was a dedicated volunteer firefighter, a devoted member of Harlingen Reformed Church, an avid woodworker, an award winning photographer, and an adventurous traveler.
At about 14 years old, Dan began hanging around Montgomery No. 1 Volunteer Fire Company Station 45, and officially joined when he was 18. He oversaw the building committee for the firehouse on Griggstown Road completed in 1996. He served as chief for six years from 1974-1980, and became the official photographer in 1997. He was affectionately known by the younger members of the company as “the legend.” His firefighter family recently honored his 70 years as a firefighter by dedicating the Dan C. Pullen Training Building.
Photography was a passion of Dan’s since his time in the Navy, when Lynda bought him his first 35mm camera. He travelled the country with family and friends, exploring the countryside and capturing landscapes. He and Lynda enjoyed 35 years at Smith Mountain Lake in VA, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying time on their pontoon boat. For 40 years, they were also active motorhome travelers, visiting 49 states, Canada, and Mexico.
Dan loved working in his workshop, where he made hundreds of frames for his photography and others’ artworks, and countless pieces of furniture. His work, including many heirloom pieces, can be found in the homes of loved ones, Harlingen Church, the firehouse, and countless other places.
As a member of Harlingen Reformed Church, Dan founded the memorial fund, which has grown to a substantial endowment. He served on the committee from its inception, and was committee chair for many years. Dan served as a Deacon, and he and Lynda served as treasurers for 40 years. He got great joy from sharing fellowship with his Harlingen family.
Dan always drew a crowd when he appeared as a speaker at many institutions around town to talk about "Growing Up in Montgomery." Other topics included "The Influence of the Dutch Reformed Churches in the Community;" and "Growing up in the Forgotten Skillman Village (one of the nation's earliest treatment centers for epileptics)" and for his exhibits.
Dan was also interviewed by many publications, including The Montgomery News and Tales of Blawenburg. Click here to read "Dr. Dan Pullen Remembers the State Village."
Dan is survived by his wife of 64 years Lynda Schmutzler Pullen, his daughter Susan Pullen Schwab and husband Raymond Schwab, his daughter Nancy Pullen, his grandchildren Stephen, Sarah and Bryan Schwab, and his sister Linda Pullen Ramaley.
A funeral service will be held in the Harlingen Reformed Church on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 12 noon. Visiting for relatives and friends will be held the same day from 11am - 12pm in the church. Services will be live-streamed.
Memorial donations may be made to the Harlingen Reformed Church Memorial Fund at 2142 US 206 Belle Mead NJ 08502.
Obituaries are published free of charge for Montgomery and Rocky Hill residents. Brought to you by The Montgomery News.
