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MULLANEY, Robert E "Bob"
Passed away peacefully in his home on January 17, 2013 at the age of 91. Born in Omaha, NE his family moved first to Los Angeles and then to Santa Barbara in 1931 when Bob was 10. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Jean Mullaney. He is survived by his three children Marsha Mullaney-Novak (John Novak), Rob Mullaney (Linda), Maureen Hamson (Greg) and five grandchildren.
A longtime Santa Barbara resident, Mullaney spent much of his free time as a volunteer beginning with the Jaycees in the 1940's. Over the years he was involved in many volunteer and fundraising efforts including hosting a speedway motorcycle race at Valley Stadium in 1969 to raise money for lighting the field. Others include the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table, Semana Nautica, and Easter Relays, Santa Barbara Junior golf, San Marcos HS JV golf coach, Sandpiper Men's club and the Santa Barbara Motorcycle Club.
In the early 1960's, Bob convinced the airport authority to lease him some adjacent land off of Los Caneros Rd. to build a motorcycle racetrack and rider training facility. Having grown up in the families motorcycle business and later taking it over, Bob was a professional motorcycle racer from 1941-1955 ultimately earning an expert plate in T.T, road racing, flat track and speedway racing. Bob was also a past president and life member of the Santa Barbara Motorcycle Club and a lifetime member of the AMA. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge #192, Elks Lodge #613 and served during WWII in the US NAVY.
Bob went back to school in 1953 earning his degree and teaching credential from UCSB. Bob started his full time teaching career at San Marcos HS when the school opened in 1958 and retired after 28 years. Bob was the longtime PA announcer for San Marcos football, basketball and Track and field, known as "the voice of the Royals". The press box is named for him at Valley stadium.
After retiring, Bob devoted more of his time to golf mostly at the Sandpiper course where he served twice as the Men's club President and on the board for 12 years. It was at the Sandpiper golf course in 1979 that Bob met veteran Indy Car crew chief George Bignotti and a long friendship resulted. For 25+ years, Bob would travel to Indianapolis, Indiana each May to assist George as a crew member for the Indy 500. In 1983 the team won the Indy 500 with Tom Sneva as its driver.
Bob was most at home serving his community.
A celebration of life Open House will be held from 1-4PM on March 16, 2013 at the Masonic Lodge, 16 E Carrillo St, Santa Barbara. The family requests that any donations be made to the Santa Barbara Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Rode the track once. wasn't good enough, but a blast watching, thanks you Bless his soul.
Dave Grimmitt
February 12, 2022
I still think of Bob to this day.
Last month something came up. The only person I could think of calling was Bob. I was always happy to help and always had an answer.
James Beltran
February 11, 2022
Bob was one of the first people I met when I was transferred to Santa Barbara in 1968. I was racing a BSA 441 Victor and he was the BSA Dealer here by the old Fig Tree at the Amtrak station. He was always willing to talk about motorcycles and racing and help you in any way he could. There could be no finer man. You will be missed by all of us who knew you.
Tim Johnson
March 3, 2013
you will be missed,I went to many races out at the airport.
ALEX VALENCIA
February 25, 2013
I have a lot of memories of Mr. Mullaney, from his Transportation class that i took during my junior and senior year at San Marcos, riding and racing on the motorcycle track that he opened and ran on Los Caneros Rd. and while i was working for the Chop Shop motocycle shop in S.B. he would come down and hang out and talk about the days of his riding and building race bikes, my condolences to the family. Sincerely,
Bill Frieburg SMHS Class of 66'
Bill Frieburg
February 25, 2013
Alway so nice to everyone around school. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Alisan Wood-Andrews
February 21, 2013
You have the sincere condolences of the Marino Family. My middle son Michael (now 34) played many a round of golf in the junior Golf Program at the best courses in the area from 1984 to 1990 and Bob was often the no no-nonsense chaperon in the foursome.
Jim Marino
February 21, 2013
I was so very sorry to see Mr. Mullaney's passing. He was one of the best teachers I ever had, as I had him for: Auto Shop and 2 years of Drafting. Such a GREAT Guy.
steve Schlah
February 21, 2013
To the Mullaney family:
Bob was a great teacher and all-around nice man. I was one of those kids that cause teachers to shake their heads in disappointment, but "Mr. Mullaney" seemed to know that setting a good example, while taking no baloney, would work just as well as threats and coercion. I wish I had had more classes under his guidance, and I wish I had kept up contact.
I have a fixed mental image of Bob tearing up the hillside off Las Positias Road (long before Elings Park), throwing caution to the wind. Most other riders inched up the hill slowly, carefully. NOT BOB! Living life to the fullest.
I share your sorrow, but I don't think Bob would have wanted any tears shed for him.
My sympathies and best wishes,
Bob Cunningham, San Marcos HS class of '63.
February 19, 2013
Mr. Mullaney,
You were an inspiration, a wealth of knowledge and always had our best interests at heart.
I learned a lot from you. Not just technical info from your Transportation Lab class, but a view on how challenges should be met and quality of work and work ethic.
You will be missed. Sleep well knowing you touched the lives of many. Not just those of us you directly interacted with but those we have in turn interacted with.
Thank you for all you so selflessly did for all of us.
James Beltran
February 18, 2013
Marsha, Rob and Maureen, I am sorry for your loss. Your dad was one of my favorite teachers. I learned so much from him in automotive class and he was a real mentor for my motorcycle riding days. I also remember the trips to Mexico with your mom and dad and my folks. Your father will be missed. God bless you at this time. My prayers are with you.
Chris Mangini
February 18, 2013
RIP, Mr. Mullaney. I enjoyed the auto mechanic class that you taught during my Junior year in High school. Laura J. Cozzi
February 18, 2013
Bob, we will miss you. I hope we honor you and your memory with Mullaney's Tavern. God bless you.
Sheryl Schroeder
February 17, 2013
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