Todd Michael McMullen

Todd Michael McMullen, 42, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024, after a courageous 12 year battle with brain cancer, surrounded by his family. Todd was born at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio on August 31, 1982. His family moved to Pitsburg, OH at the age of 9, where he graduated from Franklin Monroe High School. He then studied at Bowling Green State University where he earned a bachelors degree in Business and dedicated his career to helping others. He married Sara, his loving wife of 14 years, and together they built a family full of love and adventure.

Todd is survived by his wife, Sara; his children, Colin (10) and Corey (6); his parents, Jerry and Becky McMullen; his sister Mollee (Chad) Gray; his nieces and nephew (Katelynn, McKenna, Erin, Luke and Reagan); and many cousins whom he loved. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeremy McMullen.

Growing up, Todd loved spending his time with his friends, playing baseball and golf, working on cars, and memorizing information about boats from his huge stack of Boating Magazines. He grew up going to the Sandusky River with his family, where he learned to drive a boat and dock it by the age of 6. He had his own Bat Boat that he manned by himself when he was young. He knew that river like the back of his hand! Todd often recalled the great times they had as a family on their many vacations. A few favorites were when they went to the Outer Banks, but mostly, he loved when his family vacationed in Phoenix to see the Indians Training Camp. He shared many fond childhood memories through the years.

Todd was a man of many passions, including his love for NASCAR, the Cleveland Browns (even when they weren’t playing to his standards) and OSU football. None compared to his deep devotion to Ford vehicles. Todd’s knowledge and appreciation for cars was endless. Mecum Auto Auctions were often playing on the TV, and he had big dreams to someday build a Shelby Cobra with Colin and Corey, a testament to the bond he shared with them.

Todd loved to cook – from perfectly smoked meats, homemade pizzas to his famous popcorn and homemade ice cream. Todd was also a man of deep pride—pride in his family, his Irish heritage, his country, and his job at Gravie Insurance. He had a deep love for his coworkers and bosses. He was determined to get back to doing what he loved, even up until the last few days of being with us. Most importantly, his pride in the perfectly manicured lawn that he created from scratch. All by himself, he leveled out 2 tons of dirt with his lawn mower and drag mat. After being told that there was no way he’d be able to get grass to grow, he was more determined to make it happen. Before you knew it, Todd had the best yard in the neighborhood, all due to his hard work and persistent personality to prove that he can do the unthinkable.

Known for his big heart, Todd was the friend everyone relied on. Whether clearing snow from neighbors' driveways, lending out his tools, plugging flat tires, or arriving at a moment’s notice when someone needed a hand, he had an unfailing willingness to help others. His garage was one of his favorite places to spend his evenings, meticulously organized and filled with every tool you can imagine, with more flashlights and pocketknives than any man needs. The neighborhood was aware that when the neon signs he hung in the garage were on, he was down for anyone stopping by to have a drink and visit. He loved when friends and neighbors would swing by unannounced. You could always count on a friendly face, a cold beer, and endless stories. He filled his life and those around him with laughter, warmth, and love.

Todd, Sara, and the boys created countless memories together, especially at their cottage on the Sandusky River, where boating, fireside evenings, and Kenny Chesney songs were cherished parts of their summers. He was happiest when he was on the water, and he loved to chase stunning sunsets. Todd loved pulling the boys tubing, as well as friends. He was not shy about whipping everyone off the tube!! The cottage was the perfect place to teach his boys how to fish, drive the golf cart and boat, shoot BB guns, and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. The cottage was his version of Heaven on Earth. Another favorite time for Todd was when he, Colin and Corey had ‘guy time’ in the garage. Todd often set up the bounce house or created courses/games in the garage for the boys to burn energy. He loved setting up green army men on the golf cart and have the boys shoot them with their nerf guns, while Top Gun, Ford vs. Ferrari, or the Rocky Series would be playing in the background.

One of his most beloved holidays quickly became the 4th of July festivities after moving into Worthington Hills. He was the proud, designated driver of the Candlewood float, and graciously accepted the challenge every year, even as the floats seemed to get bigger and bigger. He loved driving his golf cart through the neighborhood with Sara, the boys, and his dog, Myles by his side. They always stopped to visit with friends and share a laugh. Another favorite holiday was Christmas. As soon as Halloween was over, Todd started the Christmas season making his grandma’s famous sugar cookies with the boys. Todd loved making all kinds of candies and chocolates with Sara and the boys. He was also the mastermind behind their Snoopy Land Christmas decorations in their yard! They would put countless hours into creating a beautiful display for the neighborhood to see. Todd was always thinking of ways to improve the display and make it even more extravagant!

Above all, he was a true family man whose love and devotion to Sara and their sons will live on as a guiding light. Todd’s legacy is one of strength, kindness, and boundless love—a legacy that will be forever cherished by all who knew him.

The McMullen family invites friends and loved ones to join in celebrating Todd’s life. A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Schoedinger Worthington (6699 N High Street, Worthington, OH 43085). A funeral service will follow on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Worthington Christian Church (8145 N High St, Columbus, OH 43235), with a luncheon afterward.

Todd embodied resilience, best captured in one of his favorite quotes from Rocky:

"You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”