Edward Francis Mullen Jr.

Edward Francis Mullen Jr.

Concord, NH - Edward Francis Mullen Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, athlete, and community leader, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. He was 85.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on April 7, 1940, to Mildred and Edward Mullen, Ed's life was defined by service, loyalty, and dedication-to his country, his family, his alma mater, and his community. He was a leader in all aspects of his life.

Ed's early ties to New Hampshire were strong, spending summers at his family's Hobby Horse Stables in Wolfeboro, where he taught local campers to ride. He later made New Hampshire his permanent home and graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1962 with a BA in Political Science. A gifted athlete, Ed played Division I hockey, football, and lacrosse for the University. His enduring friendships with teammates remained one of the great joys of his life.

A Distinguished Graduate of the UNH Army ROTC program, Ed was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Infantry Branch. In 1964, he completed aviation school in Dothan, Alabama, followed by fixed-wing pilot training. He served in Furth, Germany before transitioning to helicopters and being deployed to Vietnam. There, Major Mullen flew numerous missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Bronze Star, and the Air Medal (with 21 Oak Leaf Clusters). He later became a flight instructor and flight commander, shaping the next generation of Army pilots. In 2014, he was inducted into the UNH Army ROTC Hall of Fame

Following his military service, Ed returned to New Hampshire and began a successful career in financial services with MassMutual Financial Group. He became General Agent for Northern New England in 1984 and led numerous industry organizations, including serving as President of the NH Chapter of Financial Services Professionals and the General Agent and Managers Association. In this role, Ed had a remarkable ability to forge deep and lasting friendships, always building meaningful relationships with those around him. One of Ed's lasting legacies was his role in founding the UNH Center for Family Business, a program designed to support generational transitions in family-owned companies. Now part of the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, it continues to benefit New Hampshire's business community.

Ed remained deeply involved with UNH, serving on the board of the 100 Club, which supports athletic scholarships, and later becoming its President. He was instrumental in developing its endowment and was a driving force behind the creation of the UNH Athletic Hall of Fame and the Wildcat Athletic Council. His unwavering support for UNH athletics was visible at countless games and events over the years.

Ed was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gail Mullen, in November of 2022. Together, they shared a life full of adventure-from travels through Europe, to raising their family in New Hampshire, and cherishing time with their four grandchildren.

Edward is survived by his children and grandchildren, who were the center of his world, as well as by many dear friends, close siblings, nieces and nephews, former teammates, and colleagues. His children survive Ed, Ryan Mullen and his partner Bridget Thomsen, Phyllis Latham (Mullen) and her husband Danny Latham, Ed's grandchildren, Jack Mullen, Cooper Mullen, Abigail Zier( Latham) and her husband Sandro Zier, Daniel Latham and his partner Julia Richards, and Ed's close siblings, brother James Mullen and his wife Karna Mullen, and his sister Jacqueline O'Connor (Mullen).

To all who knew him, Ed was a man of integrity, generosity, humor, and warmth. He excelled in every role he took on-but above all, he was proudest to be a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Edward Francis Mullen was a true American hero and will be deeply missed.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Water's Funeral Home, 50 South Main Street, Concord, NH.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Parish/St. John's, 72 South Main Street, Concord, NH. Burial with military honors will follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.
Ed had been actively involved in raising funds for the University of New Hampshire athletics program. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ed to the UNH Men's Hockey program either online (click here), or mailed to the UNH Foundation, Elliott Alumni Center, 9 Edgewood Road, Durham, NH 03824.