Martin "Oliver" Mullarkey

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Martin Oliver Mullarkey, age 80, passed away at home surrounded by his family on October 26, 2023.

The youngest of eight siblings, Oliver was born in Glencullen Lower, Bangor Erris, County Mayo, Ireland to the late Patrick and Bridget (nee Munnelly) Mullarkey. He loved where he was from and often spoke fondly of tending to the sheep in the mountains, visiting his mother’s brothers in Mount Jubilee, and fishing in Carrowmore Lake. He enjoyed working in England for a few years before coming to America in 1963, initially in Upper Darby, Pa. He and his wife, Eileen, later settled in Havertown, Pa., where they lived together for more than 50 years and raised their four children, Ann Marie, Pat, John, and Colleen.

He worked for many years at the A&P Warehouse in Florence, N.J., and Yeadon, Pa., and later as a landscaper. Oliver was a tireless worker with a kind and generous heart who was always eager to help others. An outgoing character with a funny sense of humor and a knack for storytelling, he made friends everywhere he went, particularly at the many breakfast and lunch spots he frequented over the years—DeValero’s, Vito’s, Hannah’s, Andy and Mary’s, and The Irish Coffee Shop, to name a few. 

He doted on his grandchildren, and rarely made a visit without a pack or two of M&Ms and a few dollars “to get yourself some candy.” There was always an open invitation for breakfast and dinner, birthday voicemails and a phone call “just to see how you’re making out.” In his retirement, he enjoyed getting together with his McDonald’s crew in the mornings for many years. A devoted Wawa coffee drinker, Oliver always had a cup in hand and a few butterscotches at the ready, even in his final days. His persistence and determination were legendary, and he overcame many adversities in his life. He was a great believer in prayer, and he fought with bravery up until his final breath.

Oliver will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Eileen B. (nee McNally) Mullarkey, his children, Ann Marie (Joe) Moran, Patrick (Jane) Mullarkey, John (Marybeth) Mullarkey, and Colleen (Shane) Donnelly; his grandchildren, Emmett, Patrick, Kelsey, Bridget, Elizabeth, Michael, Megan, Jack, Meghan, Maggie, Nora, and Peter; his great-grandson, Oliver; and his faithful dog, Peanut (who he liked to call “Bruce”). 

He will be fondly remembered by his sisters Mary Lyons and Rose Dervin, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Oliver was predeceased by his brothers, Michael, Sean, Frank, Pat, and Seamus. 

Oliver’s viewing will be held Friday, November 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Annunciation B.V.M. Catholic Church, 401 Brookline Blvd., Havertown, Pa., immediately followed by his funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, 1600 Sproul Rd., Springfield, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Saint Padre Pio Shrine on Route 40 in Landisville, N.J., would be greatly appreciated. Oliver never missed an opportunity to stop there and say a prayer on the way home from the shore. Oliver's Funeral Mass will be live-streamed through the following links: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064738871100 & www.annunciationparish.com, click on Vimeo Link.