PAUL GUILDEN

GUILDEN--Paul Bulova. Paul Bulova Guilden, 91 years, a New York entrepreneur and philanthropist entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Paul was born in Manhattan in 1931 and lived in New York most of his life. His father, Ira Guilden was a successful businessman, and his mother Louise Bulova was the daughter of Joseph Bulova and sister to Arde Bulova, founders of the famed Bulova watch company. Paul attended New York City elementary schools followed by Culver Military Academy ultimately graduating from MIT with a degree in mechanical engineering. He apprenticed in watchmaking in the Swiss Jura Arc in his early 20s. During the Korean War Paul served in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged and began his career in the family business. Paul later worked for Bill Lear, founder of Learjet as one of the first employees to develop high- speed business jets in the 1950's at the dawn of the jet age. His love for aviation led him on a number of adventures including early transatlantic flights as a solo pilot delivering aircraft to customers in Europe and Africa. These frequent travels included stops at exotic locales suitable to his other loves of Alpine skiing and scuba diving. Paul launched a number of ventures in consumer products, the performing arts and publishing. Guilden Development Co. marketed "Merry Glow", an innovative line of holiday lighting products including a patented rotating Christmas tree topper. His most enduring legacy was as chairman of the John B. Stetson company. Stetson was acquired by his father in the 1970s and has been a part of the family ever since. Paul led the company through five decades and recently handed the reins over to his daughter to continue the legacy of this legendary American brand. Paul's uncle Arde founded the non-profit Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking in 1945 which offered disabled veterans a tuition-free watchmaking education and job placement. After the school closed the Bulova family formed a foundation to continue the mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities. Paul was steward of the Bulova Stetson Fund for thirty years and expanded the mission of giving-back. The foundation now supports over 200 non- profit organizations in the greater New York area including people with disabilities, veterans, animal welfare, education, and the arts. Paul was especially passionate about the arts and was a perennial patron of Broadway, The Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet and the New York Philharmonic. He could be spotted frequently at New York jazz clubs during the evolving Bebop scene of the 1950s and 60s. His close friends included famed jazz trumpeter Art Farmer amongst others for whom he promoted concerts and events. A true "Bon Vivant", Paul was curious, kind, and generous with all who were lucky enough to know him. He is survived by his son David Guilden, daughter Xiao Li Tan, son-in-law Daniel Edwards, and granddaughter Aria Edwards.