Robert T. Mullen

Robert T. Mullen, age 83, of Melbourne, FL and Somerset, MA, passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2012 in Claire Bridge Nursing Center. He was a veteran, entrepreneur, golfer, volunteer and most importantly the devoted husband of Helen C. (Coatsworth) Mullen to whom he had been married for the past 61 years.

Born in Fall River, a son of the late James H. and Eunice (Twigg) Mullen, he was a resident of Somerset since 1959 before moving to Florida eight years ago.

A graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, class of 1946, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from The University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School in 1950. While attending the university, Mr. Mullen was an Ivy League and IC4A track champion. He was most notably a member of the last UPenn team to win the 4 x 800 relay and Distance Medley at the prestigious Penn Relays. He was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

He was a Veteran of the United States Navy having served during the Korean War for four years and continued for an additional 18 years in the Navy Reserves retiring with the rank of Commander. Commander, also became a common nickname he would carry with him for the rest of his life.

Mr. Mullen was the Owner and President of Mullen Bros. Jewelers in Swansea and was a third generation jeweler. Active in his community, Mr. Mullen was past President and member of the Fall River Kiwanis Club and the Center City Business Association; he was a Board Member of the Fall River Five Cent Savings Bank and the Boys & Girls Club of Fall River for over 30 years. He was also a Mason with the King Philip Lodge in Fall River for 50 years.

An avid golfer, he was a member of the Fall River Country Club for over 50 years. He was a loyal parishioner of the Church of the Ascension now called the Church of the Holy Spirit in Fall River where he served as Treasurer for 30 years.

In addition to his wife, one son; Robert T. Mullen Jr. of Somerset, three daughters; Debra L. Mullen of Brockton, Susan M. Bayliss of Midlothian, VA, and Jacqueline E. Mullen of Pari, Italy, nine grandchildren, one great-grandson, and four nieces and three nephews. He was also the father of the late Richard C. Mullen and brother of the late Louise Higginson, and James H. Mullen Jr.

His Requiem Eucharist will be held Friday, August 10, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Church of the Holy Spirit 160 Rock St., Fall River. Visiting hours Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00PM in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at BIRCHCREST 189 Gardner’s Neck Rd. Swansea. Contributions in his honor may be made to the American Cancer Society 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or The Autism Project 1516 Atwood Ave., Johnston, RI 02919. Burial will be private. For tributes or directions visit: www.waring-sullivan.com