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On Sunday, May 2nd, 2021, Thomas “Tom” Edward Mullen, 76, of Baltimore, MD passed away. Loving son of the late Stephen B. Mullen and Mary M. Mullen (nee Canavan); beloved husband of Joan M. Mullen, married for 52 years; cherished father of Erin M. Mullen, dear brother of the late S. F. Timothy Mullen; caring feline fur dad of Molly; loving fur granddad of his grandcats Lucy and Ramona; also survived by many other family and friends.
A proud Gael, Tom graduated from Mt. Saint Joseph High School in 1962. He then ventured on to Loyola University where he studied Social Sciences & Psychology, and received a minor in Philosophy. He was gainfully employed by the Federal government, spending many active years serving as an Inspector for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms. Later in his career he was able to share his wealth of knowledge as an ATF Training Manager at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynn County, Georgia. Post retirement, he decided to go back to work; this time as a GED Examiner/Instructor at Altamaha Technical College. He was again able to share his love for learning and encourage others to pursue their dreams for higher education. Additionally, in those years he dedicated much time and effort to advance the causes of the Glynn County Democrats.
Tom had a love for music that began when a Brother “encouraged” him to join his high school Glee Club. It turns out he was an amazing Tenor. He continued singing in college as one half of a Duo and with a group called The Craftsmen – they were a BIG DEAL! Girls Swooned!! He later sang in the choir at The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen and The St. Charlestown Chorale. He sang the National Anthem at graduation ceremonies at FLETC, and had recently found enjoyment with the Baltimore Folk Music Society. As well as being a skilled vocalist, his musical talents expanded when taught himself to play both the Autoharp and the Mountain Dulcimer. He also happened to be the King of Playlists.
Other interests included photography and nature conservancy. His creativity shined in his photographs. He saw beauty in the old, the ordinary, the everyday things. Some of his favorite subjects were historic sites, boats, mariner culture, and nature. He was into saving the environment before it was cool.
As a native Baltimorean, Tom loved seafood, especially steamed crabs – the more Old Bay, the Better! But along with the salty, you need the sweet. He loved his chocolate! You can’t go wrong with a Hershey bar. Dark Chocolate is basically medicine; but special trips to the fudge shop on Jekyll Island were his favorite.
Ultimately, the world took a hit on May 2, 2021. We lost one of the Good Guys! He was always willing to lend an ear – no matter what crazy time of day or night it was. His gentle demeanor and sound advice, helped more than one person out of crisis. Never judgmental and always encouraging, he allowed people to see the good in themselves. Always rooting for the underdog, he believed the world would be better if we were all just a little kinder to one another. He exuded optimism and positivity. He never wanted to be the cause of someone’s bad day. He was a proud Irishman, with a contagious smile, and when Irish eyes are smiling…they’ll steal your heart away. He has stolen ours completely and we’ll never be the same, but we’ll hold him in our hearts, until we meet again.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Tom’s life at the family owned Evans Life Celebration Home in Parkville– 8800 Harford Road on Thursday, May 6th from 3-5 & 7-9PM and Friday, May 7th from 12-2PM. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 7th at 2PM. A cremation to follow. Family and friends are encouraged, but not required, to wear purple on the day of the service for Tom’s ‘Purple Fridays’ tradition. Masks are required.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association at:
https://www.heart.org/?form=FUNMTVVKFUF
Thomas' service will be livestreamed via Zoom Friday, May 7th, 2021 at 2PM. To join the Zoom call, please refer to the Zoom meeting information below:
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