Gardnar Mulloy

1913 - 2016

Gardnar Mulloy

1913 - 2016

BORN

1913

DIED

2016

Gardnar Mulloy Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 15, 2016.
Gardnar Mulloy, a former No. 1 professional tennis player from the United States, died Nov. 14, 2016, in Miami, Florida, according to multiple news sources. He was 102 and would have celebrated his 103rd birthday next week.

Mulloy, who played competitive tennis into his 90s, was known primarily as a doubles player with partner Billy Talbert. The pair won the U.S. men’s doubles title four times between 1942 and 1948. Mulloy also won the doubles championship at Wimbledon, England, in 1957 with a different partner, Budge Patty, also of the United States.

Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox.

Gardnar Putnam Mulloy was born Nov. 22, 1913, in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the University of Miami in 1936 and later coached tennis at the school. Mulloy also became a lawyer.

Mulloy was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in 1952, when he reached the U.S. Championships, now the U.S. Open, but lost to Frank Sedgman.

Mulloy is often credited with advancing the popularity of tennis among older adults. He competed on the senior circuit when he was in his 90s.

During his 75-year tenure playing competitive tennis, Mulloy has won 129 U.S. national titles and 25 international championships.

He was a member of nine tennis halls of fame including the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Sign Gardnar Mulloy's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 11, 2021

Dale Jensen posted to the memorial.

June 8, 2021

Ronald Sica posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2017

anthony Schmidt posted to the memorial.

29 Entries

Dale Jensen

October 11, 2021

He was a great Tennis Champion and a fine representative for the game.

Ronald Sica

June 8, 2021

He’s one of the nicest man I ever met I knew them from the California club days in the 80s our family was very close with him Fred and Wanda Sica we have them over for dinner at our home once a month

anthony Schmidt

January 11, 2017

I I echo my brother's comments and add he had an amusing dry sense of humor and was an exceptional man. We will miss him dearly.
Anthony L. Schmidt MD

Daniel O'Neill

January 9, 2017

I had the honor of meeting and playing with Gardner Mulloy and Bill Talbert in the summer of 1967 at Camp NYDA (New York Diabetes Association). Mr. Talbert regularly came to the camp (he was a diabetic like me and the whole camp) to put on a display of tennis. That summer he brought Mr. Mulloy and put on a great exhibit of tennis skill. Two campers were chosen to play with them. I was one of those campers! I loved tennis and I will never forget how nice they both were to us (I was 16 years old. It was pure "unbelievable excitement" for me. Thank you Mr. Mulloy. Rest in Peace. I am in my 53rd year of Type 1 diabetes at age 65! Dan O'Neill Amityville, NY

Damon Schmidt

January 4, 2017

Just found out today. Although I haven't been in contact with Mr. Mulloy for many years, I fondly remember being in his presence through my formidable years of playing tennis. He was a great teacher to myself and my brother, Anthony. My mother, Addie, and father, Grover, absolutely adored him. I remember taking lessons down there on the red clay of the California Club. I also remember him setting up impromptu warm up sessions with some of the all time greats like Pancho Gonzales, Guiellrmo Vilas. Vitas Guerilitis, and pretty much whatever celebrity tennis player happened to be in town for an event.He was a great man with great lessons to teach, in tennis, as well as life. You will be missed.

Bill guilfoil

December 10, 2016

yes Gar your didso much by trying to get me from professional to amateur so I could play in amateur tourneys and he went to bat for me at forest hills and I did submit my name and it did not work for a long time bUT FINALLY I GOT APPROVAL TO PLAY IN MY FIRST SANCTIONED TOURN AMENT AGINST ALEX OLOMEDO ANOTHER WONDERFUL PERSON BUT PLAYED IN SOME TOURNEYS HE PLAYED IN cOLORADO OPEN AND HE WAS A FRIEND OF hAL sURFACE A SUPER FRIEND OF MINE IM NOW 94 STILL PLAYING AND TEACHING TENNIS IN KANSAS CITY AREA AND OLYMPIAN YES IN 2012 AND 2016 Againgst YOU GUYS Probably. ME HIS LATE BOOK AND CALLED ME WHEN HE WAS 99 bEST AND gOD bLESS YOU gAR bILL Guilfoil [email protected]

Steele

November 22, 2016

What a great strong athlete. Mr. Malloy was blessed with longevity. (Psalms 90:10) The family and friends have my deepest sympathy for your loss. May the God of comfort grant all of you peace at this particular time.

Peter Appelbaum

November 22, 2016

Gardnar will be missed as one of the all-time greats, as a player, teacher, and friend.

Hope Phillips (Vaughan)

November 21, 2016

I have such fond memories of playing on Mr. Malloy's tennis court. He was always so kind to us as 7-10 year olds. He was my neighbor for the many years we lived in Spring Gardens! May you rest in peace Mr. Malloy and may your family find peace in their memories.

Harvey Spiegel

November 20, 2016

I just learned of Gardnar's passing and am very saddened. I offer my deepest sympathy to the entire Mulloy family. I had the honor of knowing Gardnar and practicing with him at the tennis clubs where he was the head pro in the 1970s. We had some great practice sets even though he was in his sixties and I was in my twenties. Gardnar advised me and encouraged me and even wrote a letter on my behalf to the tournament director at the French Open which helped get me into the qualifying tournament there in 1977. Gardnar was a truly great guy and I will never forget him. I lost my own dad in 2013. He was also 102. No matter how long those we love live, its never long enough. Rest in peace Gar.
Harvey Spiegel, Chicago, Nov 20, 2016

November 20, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

November 19, 2016

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.

November 18, 2016

May the God of all comfort be with the family during this difficult time.

November 17, 2016

May the God of all comfort, comfort you all during this time of deep sorrow. He will be missed by all.

November 17, 2016

Please accept my condolences. Know that the God of comfort feel your pain and sorrow. Isaiah 61:1,2 reads: "He sent me (Jesus Christ) to bind up the brokenhearted, ... and To comfort all who mourn, ..."

justin wilkerson

November 16, 2016

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I am so sorry for your great loss. May the god who bind up the brokenhearted and comforts All who mourn sustain you family during this challenging time

D. H.

November 16, 2016

May the family be comforted by remembering some of the joyful times you shared in the past with friends and family.

November 16, 2016

Truly blessed to have lived such a long and full life! May Gardnar forever live in our hearts and in God's book of life.

November 16, 2016

My condolences to the family and friends. May God grant you serenity and hope during this time of sorrow.

Pauline Lawhorn

November 15, 2016

REST IN PEACE YOU ARE WITH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Patrick Mason

November 15, 2016

Gardar was the most influential mentor in my tennis career; as a player and coach I owe my success to him, he was a role model, tough as nails with a sense of humor. I am so blessed to have known him.

Tim Popovich & family

November 15, 2016

Godspeed....

Ann Stokman

November 15, 2016

Sorry to hear of the loss.

Scott Chamberland

November 15, 2016

Rest in Peace

Harry Simpson

November 15, 2016

Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Fair winds and following seas sailor.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

November 15, 2016

I am so sorry for the death of this talented athlete. May the family draw strength in knowing that he lived to be with you for nearly a century. I am sure you cherished the advice he passed on to younger generations. May the God of tender mercies comfort the family at this time.

Respectfully,

Zell Lane

November 15, 2016

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

Make a Donation
in Gardnar Mulloy's name

How to support Gardnar's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gardnar Mulloy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Gardnar Mulloy's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 11, 2021

Dale Jensen posted to the memorial.

June 8, 2021

Ronald Sica posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2017

anthony Schmidt posted to the memorial.