Alfred E. “Pat” Mulkern, 86, of Damariscotta, retired teacher and school administrator, passed away in Damariscotta on March 19.
Mr. Mulkern was born in Portland on Aug. 27, 1923, a son of Patrick John and Mary Agnes (Coyne) Mulkern. He lived in Damariscotta for the past 12 years after living 40 years in the North Salem, N.Y. area.
A graduate of Cheverus High School in Portland and College of the Holy Cross Worcester, Mass., Mr. Mulkern received graduate degrees from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. and Southern Connecticut State College. He also attended the School of Journalism, Syracuse University as a Wall Street Fellow, the Institute of Contemporary Russian Studies of Fordham University; College of Languages at the University of Georgia; Fairfield University and Western Connecticut State University.
Mr. Mulkern retired from the North Salem (N.Y.) School District where he served as Language Teacher and Department Chairman, Assistant High School Principal, Chairman of the Committee on the Handicapped, and District Director of Pupil Personnel Services. He was also a long time advisor to high school publications and was coach of the cross country teams at one time.
He was very active in community affairs and was a charter member and past president of the North Salem Lions Club. He was named a Melvin Jones Fellow, the Lions Clubs International highest honor in 1993. He was a long time manager and past president of Vail’s Grove Golf Club Corporation. He also was charter member and past president of Vail’s Grove Cooperative, Inc.
Mr. Mulkern loved politics. He was a life-long dedicated member of the Democratic Party. He supported the Party from national to local levels and never missed a chance to vote. He loved political discussions, especially with Republicans.
He was very proud to be Irish. He loved Irish culture and music. He loved whistling and singing his favorite Irish songs. His two trips to Ireland were highlights of his life.
He was very much a sports enthusiast. He loved playing golf and the camaraderie of the golfers. He also loved watching pro golf, college football, college basketball, pro baseball and pro basketball games.
Mr. Mulkern is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary Ellen “Mamie” (McGuire) Mulkern of Damariscotta; children and their spouses, daughter, Kay Gilbert of Nobleboro and husband Jerry; sons, Michael Patrick of Houston, Tex. and wife Joan, and Mark Edward of Pittsburgh, Penn. and wife Mary; grandchildren, Susan, Julie, Margaret, Aaron, Matthew, Kevin, Killan and Eamonn; great-grandchildren, John David, Emily, Lucas, Liam, Liliana, Alex, Thomas, and Noah; one great-great-grandchild, Harley; special niece, Carole Ann (Mulkern) Dunphe and her family; and dedicated caregiver Lauri Fitzpatrick.
Wake 6-8 p.m., Tues., March 23 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. Funeral mass 11 a.m., Wed., March 24 at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle. He will be laid to rest in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Retirement Fund for Religious National Religious Retirement Office, 3211 Fourth St. NE, Washington DC 20017-1194.
Condolences for the family may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, Damariscotta.
