Hugh Alexander MacMullan III

     Hugh Alexander MacMullan III, age 86, of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, sailed westward surrounded by loving family on Saturday, June 14, 2025. He fought an epic battle with cancer, living far longer than predicted by his amazing medical team.

Known as “Mac” to many, he strove for excellence in everything he did. A true renaissance man, his myriad roles included philosophical fisherman, high school and college football player, Captain in the United States Marine Corps, business leader, sailor of a small sloop named Larke, self-taught guitar player, able craftsman, imaginative storyteller, published author, hammock-napper, cheerful outdoorsman, avid runner, orienteering champion, devilish poker player, to-do list checker and eternal optimist.

His two most important roles were cool Dad/“multidimensional puppeteer” to his six kids and steadfast husband to Julie for 48 years. He was a galvanizing force for family, evident in the decades-long tradition of hosting, with Julie, an ever-expanding crowd for the Thanksgiving meal.

He was also a son, brother, uncle, cousin, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, fraternity brother, neighbor and friend to many. He would—and has—given a stranger the shirt off his back.

A weaver of bedtime stories, Mac the Woodcutter created a magical world of adventures for his children. They were the first of his writings to be committed to the page. His short story “Small Miracles” was published in Gray’s Sporting Journal in April 2004. He went on to publish two well-reviewed novels: Larke, El Capitan and the Theory of Everything; and Night River.

Mac was born on May 18, 1939, the eldest son of Hugh and Eleanor (Spoon) MacMullan. He grew up in Lansdowne, exploring Darby Creek, fishing and boating “down the shore,” and being a big brother to Dan and Jack. He was often found in some quiet, out-of-the-way place with his nose buried in a book. A proud Phi Kappa Sigma brother and ROTC scholar, Mac graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English. After four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he launched and ran a small home building business. In 1968, he joined his father at the Manufacturers Appraisal Company, eventually becoming its President. He led MAC through its successful acquisition by Coopers & Lybrand in 1994, and remained a Partner there until his retirement in 1999, and leading the industry in intangible asset valuation appraisals. He was a Senior Member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and one of the first professionals to receive designation as qualified to value businesses.

Mac was a Swarthmore staple since 1980. You may have met him while visiting the local hardware store or library, walking his beloved dog or a grandchild to school, opining as a planning commission member, coaching a daughter’s softball team, running in the Crum Woods, hosting a backyard welcome for new neighbors, or strongly encouraging you to cut through his backyard—the definition of a true Swarthmorean.

He is survived by his dedicated wife Julie, two younger brothers Dan and Jack, and six children: Amy (John), Lauren, Hugh (Juliet), Ann, Ursula (Tanner), and Fiona (Ben). He was a loving grandfather to Anna, Laura, Elmer, Robin, Will, Emma, Avery and Max, and great-grandfather to Leon. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Sara.

A memorial service will be held at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church on July 19th at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, honor him by going out and doing something worth doing. He will be living vicariously through you.

Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
www.haganfuneralhome.com