Thomas J. Mulhern Sr.

Thomas J. Mulhern Sr. of Wilkes-Barre passed away Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Little Flower Manor, Wilkes-Barre, where he was a guest for the past two weeks.

He was born Jan. 29, 1925, the son of the late Mildred Mulhern. He graduated from Coughlin High School, Class of 1943, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was sent overseas as a radio operator gunner, as a non-commissioned officer in charge of operation, maintenance and repair of all radio equipment while in flight, fired waist gun and completed 20 combat sorties with the 15th Air Force while aboard The Rhode Island Red II. He was awarded World War II Victory Medal, EAME Ribbon Air Metal per GO 1064, 15th AF 1st OLC to AM per GO 2776, and 15th AF American Theater Ribbon.

Upon discharge he began a career in retail, going to work at Chase's Sporting Goods Store and eventually opening a dry cleaning business. He ended his career working for Penn Mart Service at the Plains Township location.

Tom enjoyed gardening, watching his favorite baseball team, the Phillies, and rooted for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He especially loved spending time and telling stories to his nine grandchildren and his 13 great-grandchildren and also three great-great-grandchildren whom he cherished deeply and referred to as his Rotten Kids, as only he could call them. He spent many years at his summer home at Mountain Lake with family and friends, where he was known as the man who could grow grass on a rock.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Betty; his brother, Jim, also known as "Kelly"; and great-grandson, Michael Kowalski.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Linda Kowalski and her husband, Bill; sons, Daniel Mulhern and his wife, Emma, and Thomas J. Mulhern Jr. and his wife, June; sister, Joan Conway; grandchildren, William Kowalski, Joseph Kowalski, Michelle Cook, Terry Genners, Daniel Mulhern Jr., Beth Qualters, April Griffiths, Amy Ensinger and Thomas J. Mulhern III; great-grandchildren, Jackie LaMonica, Stephen and Kyle Kowalski, Olivia and Sean Cook, Emma and Ryan Genners, Connor and Brooke Mulhern, Morgan Qualters, Tyler Griffiths, Eric and Jaxsen Ensinger; great-great-grandchildren, Isabella and Gemma LaMonica and Hunter Rose Kowalski; numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family would very much like to thank the staff on the second floor, and all others at Little Flower Manor for their wonderful care concern for their dad.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday from E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, 159 George Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Services will be conducted by the Rev. K. Gene Carroll, Ph.D.

Interment with military honors accorded by the U.S. Army will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.eblakecollins.com.