Patrick Timothy Mullen
Loving husband, father, son, brother who enjoyed life to its fullest

Patrick Timothy Mullen, 62, passed away peacefully at his home in Fair Haven, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, with his family lovingly at his side.

The son of Tom and Lorraine Mullen of Westfield, N.J., Patrick was born on Oct. 11, 1957. He attended Franklin School, Roosevelt Jr. High School and was a 1975 graduate of Westfield High School (WHS), where he was on the football and track teams. Pat helped to organize the first ski team representing WHS. While in junior high and throughout high school, Patrick and a group of friends formed a Dixieland Band, playing at various events and charities. An accomplished drummer, Pat was the percussionist for the WHS symphony orchestra.

Patrick graduated from the University of Delaware in 1979, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, played on the rugby team and studied abroad in Ireland. He has remained life long friends with his ATO brothers, several of whom flew or drove long distances to visit him during his illness.

Growing up, Patrick learned woodworking from his father. His interest in home restoration brought him to purchase his first home in Matawan, N.J. He joined and consulted the Historical Society there to learn more about his home and to keep authenticity in his design. Patrick then met the love of his life, Hillary Hyde of Summit, N.J., and they married in May of 1989. With Pat's love for the water, stemming from summers sailing on his uncle's schooner and his father's boat "Blue Moon" (which he later owned), and with Hillary's encouragement, he purchased his home in Fair Haven overlooking the Navesink River. He again lovingly restored this home from top to bottom and designed and built a custom garage with his woodworking shop on the second floor. Patrick loved being steps from his boat and being able to sail, kayak or fish at a moment's notice.

Patrick was an expert skier, frequenting the slopes in New England, Canada, Colorado Rockies, Sierra Nevadas and the French and Italian Alps. He taught his wife and kids to ski and enjoyed many trips with the entire family and with friends. Other travels took him to Italy, Paris, Hawaii, sailing a 51-foot boat in the British Virgin Islands, and summers on Cape Cod and the Jersey Shore.

After a long career in the architectural finishes industry, Patrick started his own company, "On The Surface," representing Italian porcelain flooring and other fine finishes. Most recently, Patrick created "Wood + Design," where he designed, built and installed beautiful custom kitchens, bathrooms and cabinetry throughout New Jersey and Manhattan. Patrick was a member of the Environmental Commission in Fair Haven and Seas Boat Club.

Patrick was a wonderful and loving husband to Hillary and amazing father to their two children, Karr and Madeline. He rarely missed one of their many soccer or lacrosse games. Patrick coached peewee hockey and played "D" league ice hockey at the Red Bank Armory. Patrick became Cub Scout leader for Karr's den and saw his son all the way through to becoming an Eagle Scout. His family was a constant source of pride for Patrick. He especially loved the fine adults his children became. Patrick always enjoyed life to its fullest -his marvelous sense of humor, his quiet generosity will surely be missed.

Patrick is survived by his wife of 30 years, Hillary Hyde Mullen, and their children, Karr Thomas Mullen, and Madeline James Mullen; his parents, Tom and Lorraine Mullen of Westfield; sister, Colleen Fitzsimons and her husband, Jeff of Fairfield, Conn.; sister, Laurie Wood and her husband, Craig of Watchung, N.J.; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and his dog, Wilson.

Patrick's family is extremely appreciative for the love and support from friends and neighbors. A celebration of Patrick's life will be held Jan. 18, 2020. at 1 p.m. at Tower Hill Church, Red Bank, N.J.
 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to NY/NJ Baykeeper, 30 Washington St., Matawan, N.J. 07747 or at Nynjbaykeeper.org

Published in Star-Ledger on Dec. 22, 2019

https://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?n=patrick-timothy-mullen&pid=194789975