Obituary of John E. Mulholland

John Emmett Mulholland of Randolph, NJ, formerly of Fanwood, NJ passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 16th at the age of 89.  Born in 1933 John was raised with his sister Anne in Long Branch NJ.  He was active in Scouting, earning the Eagle Scout Award.  He graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School.

John earned a BS degree from the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University.  He served two years in the US Army and then began his career as Assistant Dining Service Director at Illinois Bell Telephone Company and Assistant Manager of Restaurant Operations for Marshall Field, Chicago.   Later he joined Bamberger’s Department Stores where he rose to vice president of food service administration.  After leaving Bamberger’s he became a financial investment counselor.

In 1957 John married his beloved Mary Ellen and together they shared 58 wonderful years and raised four children.  John was a dedicated father with a contagious zest for life. He was active in leadership of the Boy Scouts and Indian Princesses.  He enjoyed family time, taking vacations, and spending time around the pool with family and friends. He was always up for a game of Tripoli, Spoons, Left-Right-Center, and being challenged at chess.  These good times are memories that will be cherished by his children and grandchildren.

Throughout his life, John demonstrated a tremendous faith in God.  He was active in the Catholic Church and attended an annual men’s retreat at San Alfonso Retreat House for over 20 years. 

He shared God’s love by his actions.  He welcomed less fortunate youth from New York City’s Fresh Air Fund for multiple summers.  Working through the Healing the Children organization he hosted children from other nations while they received specialized medical care in American hospitals.  One of those children, Mimi, returned to receive multiple surgeries and is still a welcome member of John’s family. 

His greatest passion was his commitment to ensure the right to life for the unborn.  John organized, contributed, protested, and prayed in defense of all human life. He co-founded the Life Education Council.

John is survived by his daughters Ellen Brown, Patricia Dunne (William), Edward Mulholland (Gretchen) and 9 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Katherine Sooy and his beloved wife Mary Ellen.

The family will be receiving friends at Resurrection Parish, 651 Millbrook Ave, Randolph, NJ Saturday, February 25th, 10:30 am to noon followed by a funeral mass beginning at noon. The funeral mass will be live-streamed at: https://resurrectionparishnj.org/live-stream

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in his memory, to Life Education Council, PO Box 734, Far Hills, NJ  07931