Obituary of William (Bill) Thomas Mullen

William (Bill) Thomas Mullen September 19, 1923 – February 9, 2025 William (Bill) Thomas Mullen, age 101, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Born on September 19, 1923, in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, Bill was the youngest son of John and Mazie Mullen. His strong work ethic began early, working at a local grocery store and cutting grass at the cemetery and hospital in Ridgway. He graduated from Ridgway High School in 1941 with perfect attendance—an admirable trait he maintained throughout his life. He continued his education at a postgraduate business college in Warren. During World War II, Bill contributed to the war effort by working at Bell Aircraft in Buffalo, NY, producing airplane parts for the Army’s T39 before being drafted. In February 1943, he joined the 87th Division as an infantryman at Camp McCain, Mississippi. He was later selected for the Army Engineering training program at Rutgers University. However, the program was suspended due to heavy Pacific and European casualties. He was reassigned to the 98th Infantry Division, stationed in the Pacific for island defense in Hawaii. He was aboard a ship bound for Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped, after which his unit became part of the occupying force in Japan near Osaka. Bill, a skilled radio communication specialist, served his country with distinction until February 1946. Following his military service, Bill pursued higher education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, earning a teaching degree in 1949. At IUP he met Juanita Farr of Warren, whom he married in 1953. Juanita worked as an elementary school teacher in the Millcreek School District. Together, they built a life in Millcreek and raised their children, Sallie and Thomas. Bill’s career began as a teacher at a commercial business college in Erie before he joined Erie Insurance in December, 1949. At the time, the company had only 65 employees and was located at 6th and French. He worked closely with founders H.O. Hirt and Sam Black, interviewing and testing new applicants. Bill rose through management over his 40+ year career and retired in April, 1993. He often reflected on ERIE Insurance as an outstanding workplace, shaped by exceptional employees and a strong, employee-oriented culture fostered under Tom Hagen’s leadership. Beyond his professional life, Bill found joy in simple pleasures. He participated in a neighborhood card club for over 30 years and took up running at age 55 after being challenged by a neighbor. True to form, he met the challenge head-on, running nine miles every other day until age 85. He celebrated each birthday with an extra-long run to test his endurance. Well into his 90s, Bill could be seen year-round walking through the neighborhood, embracing his love for walking and the outdoors. Bill remained active in his community by serving on his neighborhood HOA board, helping to maintain common areas and reading meters. In 1989, Bill married Joann Maxwell, a Villa graduate and esteemed math teacher, and principal at Cathedral Prep. Together, they traveled the country for math conferences, attended nearly every Prep sporting event, and enjoyed Notre Dame football games. Joann was a skilled baker who loved making and sharing cookies with her friends and co-workers. Bill happily served as her taste-tester, though striving to maintain his runner’s physique. After Joann’s passing in 2012, Bill found a committed companion and untiring caregiver, Jean Cordier. She and her children, John and Katherine, welcomed Bill into their home where he enjoyed the final twelve years of his life. They shared memorable river travels along the Mississippi, visits to Bill’s children and Jean’s family, and a yearly trip to the Ridgway Rendezvous in his beloved hometown. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother John, his first wife Juanita, his second wife Joann, and his brothers-in-law Glen Farr and Richard Maxwell, and sister-in-law Gladys Farr. He outlived all his aunts, uncles, and cousins from Johnsonburg, Batavia, NY and Seattle. He is survived by his children; Sallie Mullen and her husband Christopher Gardner of Boonton, NJ and Thomas Mullen and his wife Susan of Monmouth Junction, NJ. He was a proud grandfather to: Sarah Gardner, Lyon Gardner, Daniel Mullen, and Elizabeth Mullen, all of whom brought him great joy. Also survived by sister-in-law Christine Maxwell of Erie. Bill’s family would like to thank his dear friends Gary and Debbie Mizikowski and Ronnie and Cathy Little for their enduring friendship. Bill was grateful to his neighborhood and Prep friends who helped him celebrate his final birthdays. Special thanks to his exceptional caregiver, Betty Martin whose compassionate care enriched his final years. Visiting hours will be held at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. at 4216 Sterrettania Rd, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 3 to 6 PM. Rev. Richard Toohey will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Church at 2401 West 38th Street, Erie, PA, at 10 AM on Monday, February 24, 2025. Burial will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bill’s honor to St. Jude’s Children Hospital or the fund for construction of Julia House Hospice at julia@juliahpc.com. Bill lived a remarkable life filled with dedication, kindness, and quiet strength. His integrity, perseverance, and love, will live on to all who was fortunate enough to know him.