Robert John "Bob" Mulholland

It is with deep sadness and shock to announce the death of Bob Mulholland on October 18, 2025. Bob, who rarely used his full name Robert John Mulholland, was born in Philadelphia on December 4, 1946, nine months after his father returned upon his discharge from the Army. The family home was in Upper Darby, just West of Philly, a neighborhood of row houses with many families, numerous children and returning World War II veterans.

Bob, along with his older brother and neighbor buddies, had many adventures growing up (of which his parents may or may not have been aware). So many things interested Bob in his youth: travel, wanting to learn about other countries, and friendships; but school was not one of them. Upon his graduation from an all-boys Jesuit High School, he took off to Daytona Beach with his friends, where he received and then answered his draft notice by joining the Army. Finding that a paratrooper made an extra $25 a month, he chose to join the 101st Airborne. Bob served in Vietnam at the height of the Tet Offensive and was severely wounded. He recovered and returned to his unit. He received a Purple Heart and other related recognitions.

Upon his meritorious discharge from the Army, he returned to Upper Darby. After a few days, his Dad asked him when he would find a job. He instead took off on a year-long trip visiting nearly all states and particularly National Parks. He then used his disability allotment to buy a ticket to London, answering his desire to travel. After nearly two years of traveling around the world, he landed in Los Angeles, where many of his numerous families lived, and where he completed three years at LA City College. The aptitude test given by Army indicated that Bob had the qualifications for leadership, law enforcement and engineering. He chose engineering but wanted to experience living in a smaller city, and found the Engineering Department at the State College, City of Chico. There, he fulfilled his abiding desire to end the war, and he sought out returning Vietnam Vets. That lead him to meetings of Chico State students, which were led by Student Body President Jane Dolan.

From the row homes of West Philadelphia to Vietnam, to traveling throughout the United States and the world, to Chico and a life of action and advocacy, Bob's trajectory was, like him, quick and no-nonsense. He returned from Vietnam, became part of the formation of the Vietnam Veterans of America, joining countless veterans in fighting to end the war, which led to his lifetime of fighting injustice everywhere. Bob's accomplishments were lengthy, but some highlights include: helping to elect Jane Dolan to the Butte County Board of Supervisors (and marrying her along the way); serving as political director for the California Democratic Party and as a member of the Democratic National Committee; electing so many good people to local, state, and national offices; closing Rancho Seco; passing Proposition 65; helping elect Tom Hayden to the California Assembly and Senate; honoring and helping countless Vietnam Veterans who served our country; an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America; participating in the U.S. reconciliation with Vietnam; supporting the construction of the Vietnam Wall, and bringing replicas to communities across America (including Chico). For virtually any cause that promoted justice, fairness and dignity for every single human being – Bob was there.

Bob could be seen as blunt, and always answered his phone, "Bob here!" Those who got to know Bob saw his energy, found his huge heart and his compassion for others, loved that children were drawn to him, and supported his commitment to right the wrongs of our world.

Bob is terribly missed today. Yet the legacy of Bob Mulholland lives on in the lives of thousands of people he mentored, inspired and uplifted with his energy, and with his daily example of what it means to be a truly good person.

Bob will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Bob is predeceased by his parents Jim and Rita, his sister Rita and brother Jim. He is survived by his sisters Sandy, Jackie and Candace, and brother Andrew – all with the last name Mulholland, who always called him Bobby. He leaves behind his beloved wife Jane Dolan whose large Dolan family also grieves the loss of Bob.

A Celebration of Bob's Life will be in 2026. The date of this gathering will be announced once the schedule for the Arlington Cemetery Service is known.