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Eugene Mulligan died peacefully at home on August 25, 2013 of complications from a blood disorder. He was 86 years old. Although Gene was known as a remarkably entertaining story-teller with a warm sense of humor and an amazing memory, he was first and foremost a compassionate, loving and devoted husband and father. Ever faithful and pragmatic, he made the most of life and truly enjoyed it. In his final days he had only happy memories and no regrets, and he looked forward to joining his beloved wife Anne in eternal rest. Born in Union City N J in 1927 to proud Irish and Scottish immigrant parents, Gene grew up in Astoria, Queens (NY). Upon reaching his 17th birthday he sought to contribute to the war (WWII) effort. Despite a keen interest in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet program, the Defense Department had greater needs elsewhere, and he found great pride and satisfaction in life at sea with the US Navy. He was battling typhoons on his way to Asia for the invasion of Japan when the empire surrendered and ended hostilities in the Pacific. After the conclusion of the war, he furthered his career as a boiler technician and engineer in the Merchant Marines. He was a valued member of the crew in SS United States during its (speed) record-setting crossing of the Atlantic, and he swelled with pride in his commissioning as an officer in both the Merchant Marines and US Naval Reserve there. Some of his longest-lasting friends were made during those many years underway with both services. Gene's lifelong patriotism inspired one son to enter (and complete a full career in) the US Navy and a grandson to join the US Air Force - currently in training to become a Pararescue Jumper. Deep emotions were stirred when he was included in an "Honor Flight" trip to Washington DC earlier this year with other WWII veterans. In 1956 Gene met the love of his life in Miami Beach Florida; he and Anne were married in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania the following year. They settled in suburban Fords New Jersey, raising five children together. Gene's work for Bell Laboratories between 1961-84 provided a stable life for the family. Following retirement, Gene and Anne uprooted and resettled in the Myrtle Beach area in 1986 to pursue their recreational passions of beach and golf year-round. As the consummate father and grandfather, he took immeasurable pride in all of his children's lives, education, careers and families, and always looked forward to their next visit, or a road trip to see them. An active and loyal member of St Michael Catholic Church in Garden City SC for nearly 30 years, Gene was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, and was a long-time member of the American Legion. He was an avid bowler and golfer for many years, bowling locally with the Cimmaron Rollers, Woodlake Community, and the Fun Bunch Summer League. Pursuing his Love for Golf on many courses on the Grand Strand, Gene was a member of Markies Marauders for many years and most recently part of the Murrells Inlet Elks Golf league. In more recent years, Gene expanded his circle of friends thru the Casino Boats in Little River. Right up until his passing,Gene particularly enjoying cherished memories with Markie's Marauders at Raccoon Run. He is loved and will be missed by many! Gene follows his wife Anne, three sisters and a brother to his heavenly life. He will be sorely missed by daughters Patty (Chip) Woltz of Flanders NJ, Peggy (Tom) Pitoscia of Murrells Inlet SC, Katey (Philip) Budzynski of Columbia SC, and sons Jim (Isabelle) Mulligan of Viera FL, and Joe (Deanna) Mulligan of Old Bridge NJ; plus twelve grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 AM Saturday, August 31, 2013 at St Michael Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 4:30-7:30 PM Friday, August 30, 2013 at Goldfinch Funeral HOme, Beach Chapel Reception Center. In lieu of flowers, Gene would have been extremely pleased to have inspired donations to: Honor Flight Inc, Attn Diane Gresse, 300 E Auburn Ave, Springfield OH 45505 (http://www.honorflight.org/donate/).

Tributes

Eugene Mulligan

February 4, 1927 - August 25, 2013