John Gerald Mulvanerty

John Gerald Mulvanerty, a beloved Father, Papa, and friend, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025.

Born September 23, 1943, in New York, to Irish parents Thomas Mulvanerty and Mary Breen. Their Bronx apartment, complete with younger sister Ann and older brother Thomas, was full of love and laughter. On the streets outside the apartment, John discovered his love of basketball. He told us that his sister was picked ahead of him to play neighborhood baseball, so he knew he had to pick another sport. At 6'4", John was the smallest on his team, but he perfected his fadeaway and hook shots and earned a scholarship to attend Fordham University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree.

In March 1968, John was drafted for Vietnam. Smart, well-spoken, and resourceful, he was quickly selected for officer training. A Captain in the 5th Special Forces Group, he deployed to Vietnam and Cambodia several times, he joked "because he didn't get it right the first time".

Recognized for his dignity and poise, in 1969, John was stationed in Washington D.C. as the Rifle Platoon leader of the Honor Guard Company and Commanding Officer of the US Army Drill Team. It was in D.C. that John met Barbara; full of charisma and wit, he quickly won her over and they married after he returned from his final tour, in 1971.

John's career in the Glass Industry began after Vietnam. A skilled orator and leader, career milestones included roles as President, Tempglass Eastern and Eastern Regional Glass President at Oldcastle, Founder Florida Laminating and Tempering, and consultant for impact windows and doors; he was also active in leadership positions with various glass associations.

John's greatest joy was his family, and his favorite roles were Dad and Papa. Passionate about family time, his love of scuba diving led to biannual family dive trips over the decades, the last one being Cozumel at the age of 79. Not to mention countless family Sunday dinners in his pursuit of the perfect Bearnaise sauce, which he mastered.

An epic storyteller, John would light up a room with humor and regale anyone willing to listen, audience size was no obstacle. A true Irishman, his sharp mind and quick wit kept everyone around him laughing. He did not meet a stranger; worldly from constant reading, he could connect with anyone. A beloved fixture in the basketball stands and soccer sidelines, he adored attending his Grandchildren's games, delighting (and surprising) us with his hilarious commentary.

Deeply religious, John honored and practiced the Catholic Faith. He loved attending Mass and strived to perfect the cocktail sauce at the OLA fish fry's.

When speaking of friends who had passed, John would say "they are with God, and that is a wonderful place to be". He would toast "to the faces he will always remember, to the laughs he will never forget". We toast to you now, John.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara Mulvanerty; daughters Catherine and Mary; son-in-law Heath Higgins; grandchildren Holden and Hayden; sister Ann Baker; niece Sarah and nephew Breen with wife Devon and Grandnephew Leo. Waiting to welcome John to his eternal home are mother Mary Breen, father Thomas Mulvanerty, and brother Rev. Father Thomas Mulvanerty.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 15 at 1pm at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1406 Hearst Drive NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319.