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William Mulliken Obituary

William Danforth Mulliken, 74, 1960 Rome Olympics Gold Medalist, 200-meter Breaststroke, died July 17th following a third stroke. Born in Urbana, Illinois son of Jean Forrest and Wallace Mulliken, Bill attended Champaign High school, graduated from Miami of Ohio in 1961 and received a law degree from Harvard in 1964. Bill retired in 2004 as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of ChemCentral Corporation. Bill was committed to swimming, family, theatre and learning. Loving, curious and outgoing, an ambassador for the things he loved, Bill founded Big Shoulders, " the world's most architecturally significant open water swim", held in Lake Michigan off Oak Street Beach, in 1991 and chaired a Capital Campaign for the Library at Miami University, Oxford, OH. Bill is survived by his wife Lorna Filippini-Mulliken, two daughters, Cynthia ( Anthony) Lazzara and Julia (Ted) DeNapoli, and a son, David (Alison Corning), from his first marriage to Jill N. Neavolls; a sister, Sallie Olsen; a brother, John; six grandchildren, Forrest and Hudson Lazzara, William and Matthew Mulliken, and Finn and Chase Denapoli; and roughly 5000 books. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bill's memory to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville, Ave., Dallas, TX 75231. A Memorial Service will be held for Bill on Saturday August 30th, 10:00 am at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, 60646. Memorial visitation Friday, August 29th from 3 - 9pm. Info 773-736-3833 or visit Bill's memorial at www.smithcorcoran.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jul. 27, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for William Mulliken

Not sure what to say?





December 31, 2018

Julia, I just found this about your father in a search for you. I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. He had a lot of success in life including you. I remember your being very proud of him & telling me abt his past athletic achievements. I wish time didn't pass so quickly. It was nice having worked with you in the past & recently I reread a letter from you after I lost work at the firm. You are a great lady. Hope maybe someday to hear from you or see you. I'm in Lemont for past 6 yrs. Own 1.25 acre forested land north of downtown Lemont across from Argonne Labs forest. Take care,
Daniel Dominique Watts
[email protected]

Thomas O'Brien

May 26, 2016

I've just discovered this obituary, and am very sad to have read it. Bill hired me just our of law school and it was my great pleasure to enjoy his company at work in both our homes. Bill was unpretentious, really smart and for a handsome man, not vain. I admired him, was proud to have his friendship and am sad to know that he is no longer among us. Thanks for all those great lunches and long conversations, Bill and for including me in your life. My profound condolences to all of you who were family to this fine man.
May 26, 2016

Happier times at Miami, 2006

Berta Pettis

October 31, 2014

Such fond memories of times at Miami (Ohio, of course), especially when you won your Gold Medal the summer before our Senior Year. You gave your fellow classmates such a thrill when you won! This picture was taken at our 45th Reunion in June 2006 - Chuck Pettis (left), Bill (center), Earl Jones (right).

Fred Lehman

September 17, 2014

Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a true gentlemen and helped me with my swimming numerous times. He was always cheerful and had a good word for everyone. He will be missed by the Shabbona Sharks.

Grace & Pasqual Cruz

August 28, 2014

A great boss and an even better friend. His love for his family was so evident. Lorna, We hope time helps heal the sorrow of his passing for you and his family.

Grace Cruz

Bill talking with A. M. Gibbs at the Caxton Club in 2006

John Chalmers

August 5, 2014

August 5, 2014

Lorna,

I am so, so sorry to hear about Bill. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love, Sarah Guernsey

August 4, 2014

Lorna, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know Bill was sick for a long time. Thinking of you.

Susan Rossen

Bob Swartz

July 28, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family John.

July 28, 2014

John and family - I am very sorry for your loss. I clearly remember watching your brother win his gold medal. I never doubted for a minute that he would succeed.
Tricia Selin Gronlund

American Heart Association

July 27, 2014

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

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Memorial Events
for William Mulliken

Aug

29

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home

6150 North Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646

Aug

30

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home

6150 North Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646

Funeral services provided by:

Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home

6150 North Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646

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