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Dennis Mullen Obituary
Dennis R. Mullen died suddenly at his beloved "cabin" in Arnold, CA on November 28, 2010.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Joyce, children Jennifer (Gene) Hall, Kelli Mullen, grandsons Robbie and Ryan Hall, his brother Dr. Ken Mullen, sisters Patricia Anderson and Cathy Herrman and his mother Dorothy Mullen and many nieces and nephews.
Dennis moved to Santa Cruz in 1965 with his new wife Joyce where he taught at Santa Cruz High School for 38 years before retiring in 2002. He taught Social Studies and coached the tennis team. In 1998 he was honored with the "Coach Of The Year" award by CCS for his record of 28 league for girls and boys tennis and in 1999 with the "Teacher Of The Year" award. A proclamation was bestowed by Santa Cruz City Council, Mayor's Proclamation as "Dennis Mullen Day" for his many years as tennis instructor for Parks and Recreation Department.
Dennis loved being at the family cabin in Arnold, spending time with his wife playing golf, and taking his grandsons fishing.
A celebration of his life will be Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. at the Santa Cruz High School Auditorium, 415 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Santa Cruz High School Alumni Scholarship Assoc., 531 Lincoln St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Santa Cruz Memorial-Mission Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Mullen
Steve Matarazzo
July 28, 2025
Mr. Mullen was one of my teachers in my junior year at SCHS. During one class, he let all of us go to the library to do some research for a class project, but warned that he gave special instructions to the library staff to send back to him any student they found to be goofing off. I forget what infraction I committed, but they sent me back to his room as the prime offender. He looked at me and started to laugh -"You!" was all he said, and let me go. That was one of the benefits of being one of his "good students". He was a great teacher, and sympathetic human being.
Mark Rose
August 31, 2020
Dennis was a great guy and an excellent tennis player . I miss him very much.
Sheri Wells (Landino)
December 18, 2010
Joyce, Kelli, and Jennifer:
Was so very sad to hear the news. One of my all time favorite teachers. My only and favorite tennis coach at Santa Cruz High! A sweet, caring man who made a difference in my life. He was such an inspiration to me. I still remember all the little tips he gave me on the tennis team. I pass those on to anyone I play tennis with. As my Social Studies teacher, he was tough, but he knew I needed that to do well. There are no words to say just how much he will be missed! You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Thank you for sharing this special man with us all! He will live on forever in all my memories!
Daniel Armatis
December 10, 2010
Very sad news. One of my favorite teachers at Santa Cruz High. I had him for US History my junior year and was immediately stricken by his unique charm. He was sincere, funny, and a great storyteller. So many fond memories coming back to me...My old band wrote a song called "Ode to Mullen" which we played the "Battle of the Bands." Amazing. My heart goes out to his family and all of those who loved him.
Bob Hansen
December 8, 2010
Dear Joyce, Jennifer and Kelli,
Dennis was a mentor and role model for me when I just moved to Santa Cruz and his love of the game was contagious. All coaches could benefit from his kind and generous approach. I will miss him and send my deepest condolences to all of you. Love and best wishes, Bob Hansen UC Santa Cruz
Bobbi Carriker
December 8, 2010
Joyce, Jennifer, and Kelli,
Denny was a lovely man. I can think of nothing but good when he comes to mind. Maybe his leaping, overhead, backhand volley was suspect but who's isn't?
So positive, cheerful, kind and young...life is rarely fair. I'm so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
I still have very fond memories of you girls in junior high. I wish you all peace.
Mike Minium
December 6, 2010
Joyce,
I'm so sorry to hear about Dennis's passing. I'll always remember Dennis and my time at SCHS on the tennis courts. He was such a positive influence on me.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Patrick Swafford
December 6, 2010
Joyce,
It has been many years since we last talked, and I now feel especially bad. My heart goes out to you and the girls. He was a good man. As you know, I was on Denny's first team at SCHS. Neither of us quite knew what we would do at each days practice, but we always discussed everything that day. And, with Al's help and Ton and some of the other guys we got through everything fine. OK, better than fine. That year was a lot of laughter and fun and I can not tell you how much my Mother and Father enjoyed the season.
Denny, you have come into my thoughts often. I am still a Tennis Professional and that is all I have ever been. We talked about that one day a long time ago, and I still feel that it has been a good career, Thank you, Denny!
Now, I want you to know that I expect you and Al to knock a few around with me when we see each other again, not too soon I hope. I love you Man.
Patrick Swafford
December 6, 2010
I just got a copy of the article in the SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL. I was on the team at SC when Denny was named coach. Fond memories have been with me throughout my career, you see I am still a Tennis Pro and Denny was part of the reason I am. We would meet each day before practice and talk about what he would run that day. He was a good guy, a good coach and someone important to me. Joyce, I am so sorry. Denny, keep strokin' and I'll hit a few balls with you when we meet again.
Patrick Swafford
Patrick Swafford
December 6, 2010
I just got a copy of the article in the SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL. I was on the team at SC when Denny was named coach. Fond memories have been with me throughout my career, you see I am still a Tennis Pro and Denny was part of the reason I am. We would meet each day before practice and talk about what he would run that day. Lots of laughs and fun that year!
Denny was a good guy, a good coach and someone important to me. Joyce, I am so sorry. Denny, keep strokin' and let's hit a few balls when we meet again.
Nancy Kashap
December 5, 2010
My whole family sends condolences. Dennis Mullen meant a lot to us during the course of our sons’ high school days. I forwarded the news story to them and they replied. Christopher Kashap wrote: “Oh, this is sad news! Mr. Mullen was always a patient gentle man, warm, .. and available... I didn't know he had such a successful record, but he was a mentor to and played a part in the lives of many boys and girls -- his memory endures warmly. And parents felt secure with their children in his care. He didn't seem driven, with a burning desire to win, but was disciplined and methodical. Not relentless, but consistent: practice made perfect. He encouraged his proteges by being there, not by instilling fear or fanning the flames of competition or superiority. … Mr. Mullen's style was quintessential Santa Cruz, he seemed genuinely happy and laid back -- naturally, without the use of local additives. He was eminently approachable, anytime, anywhere. He would listen and care. I can hear his voice and see his easy, slanted smile, spreading across his face.” Philip Kashap added: “Yes, that's pretty much what I remember also … Winning was important to coach, and he was competitive himself, but never at the expense of character. It was more important to comport yourself well…. He also had a very good practice method which emphasized drilling technique, then testing it in games against opponents on your own team. …I'm sorry to see him go, as I'm sure are many kids whose lives he influenced positively.” And many have testified to that.
So I’m forwarding these messages of appreciation to you, Joyce,and your daughters. We join with you in mourning Dennis but we're also keeping very pleasant memories of him.
Elizabeth Donato
December 5, 2010
Dearest uncle Denny I know since I moved to the east coast I haven't been around as much . But the last time I saw you and gave you a hug is something I'll remember forever. You were always the "fun" uncle in the family . And get togethers with the family were always more lively with you and aunt Joyce . You are always in my heart and I'm sad u never made it to my wedding your presence would have made it all that much better! I love you and miss you and I know your watching over me now , talking to my kids and telling them all about me as a kid . You were always a friend to me and I'll look up to you forever.
Love always your niece Liz . And Sara Tara mia and Jason
Brent Ainsworth
December 5, 2010
Dennis was a gem. I just commented on the Santa Cruz Sentinel story about his passing and said that we both truly loved the game of tennis and loved teaming up to document the history of SC tennis. We always ended up laughing about something whenever he called in after a match. I can't think of another coach I enjoyed more during my eight years at the Sentinel. Sincere condolences to the family and best wishes.
Chris Mason
December 4, 2010
My condolences Mrs. Mullen, Jennifer and Kelli, I've only come across Dennis' path a few times in my life. In those incidences he was always kind and appeared content, like a man with no qualms in life. I'll always remember him tinkering in his garage with a smile.
Frank Motter
December 4, 2010
Like the Stagnaro's or, Marini's or Abram's or Locatelli's or Brown's, or O'neil's or Kane's or Schipper's, "Denny and Joyce" are two people who came from somewhere else to Santa Cruz and in so doing made it a greater place than it otherwise might have been. My mom taught with Joyce and I remember how competitive Denny always was but always in a good natured way. I thought the rivalry he had with Al Olson was pretty comical as they were such good friends, but once they faced off on the tennis court it was war. Denny had a unique style of "dead pan" kidding you into doing your best but only if he thought you were capable of more. I just can't believe he's gone. His house is right around the corner from my folk's in Capitola and in August, on a visit home from Salt Lake, I was passing by on my morning walk to Zelda's for breakfast. There was Denny out front down on his knees laying a brick patio with Joyce helping supervise. He shouted, "Hey, Frank! Tell your mom I just pulled out that Camelia bush she said would never make it here 45 years ago!" We both laughed but it spoke volumes about his indomitable spirit. He was a winner who lead by example and one thing you never wanted to do was tell him he wasn't good enough to do something.
Like John Donne said, "Every man is a piece of the rock, a part of the main" A piece of Santa Cruz has been washed away not to be forgotten and the bell that tolls is for us--the ones left behind. May God bless and keep you and your family, Joyce.
Sincerely,
Frank Motter
Salt Lake City, UT
Annie Gierke
December 4, 2010
Mannnn....That stinks. My thoughts and prayers are out to Mr Mullen's Family. Mr Mullen was one of the best teachers and helped me a lot in high school. More then he knew. I'm sorry to all for your lost.
Heidi Brockmann
December 4, 2010
He could always make you laugh. If you were having a horrible, frustrating day, he would come over and distract you and say something in his fake-serious voice that would immediately make you laugh and forget all about your terrible serve or the fact that you didn't actually read about the Civil War the night before. He could do that no matter what.
I will miss Dennis, dearly.
Dick Logan
December 3, 2010
Dennis Mullen......truly one of the good guys.....
December 3, 2010
Oh Joyce, I am so sorry about Dennis. It was wonderful to see you both a few months ago after all the years that have passed since the first girls tennis team at SCHS and the parks and recreation classes before that. I will never forget those beginning lessons I had with DeeDee Harbert at the old courts at SCHS, then later he coached me on the girls team. Not only that, he was my favorite teacher at SCHS! The green VW bug parked next to the tennis courts was a daily vision for those of us that loved our tennis! He was the greatest, sweetest and most inspiring teacher and an understanding coach-I can't forget the bloody nose episode during the doubles match against Aptos! My thoughts are with you and the girls, I won't and can't forget Dennis!
Maureen Hamb-Class of 1975
Kathy Pappas
December 3, 2010
Joyce, Jen, Kell, Gene, Robbie and Ryan, The Pappas Family is so, so sorry for your loss. Your family is so special to us in so many ways. We will all miss him so much, especially Pete. Hugs and love coming your way. Pete, Kathy, Josie, Robby John and Pauli Anna
Mark Samuelson
December 3, 2010
Dennis (Mr. Mullen to those of us on the SCHS Tennis Team) was one of a kind. I owe all of the tennis skills I have acquired (which have eroded over the years) to coach Mullen and his physical (and mental) conditioning. He put his heart and soul into his teams and each and every member of it, and the results proved it. He was a wonderful mentor to me as I teetered on the brink during my high school years. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Kristin Brunnemer, SCHS Class of 1990
December 2, 2010
One of my fondest memories of Dennis Mullen was watching his skill in negotiating the classroom during test time, test cheating in particular. Instead of berating the cheater, Dennis would tell the person sitting closest to him/her to move the paper “a little closer” so the student could "see better." That way, the cheating student wouldn’t “get eye strain or something.” The embarrassment was usually enough to encourage everyone to behave. For me, that was the grace and skill of Dennis Mullen—compassionate, clever and so attuned to his students and their experiences. My sympathy to all his family--—he is already deeply missed.
Bill Shine
December 2, 2010
Dennis was a mentor to me. I have known Dennis for over 30 years with the high school boys tennis ccs championships.Dennis was a great inspiration to me and his sense of humor will always be remembered. The legacy he leaves as the director of the prestigious tournament will never be forgotten. Dennis was a great friend and icon of the nor cal tennis world. He will be truly be missed.
Bill Shine, Menlo School Tennis coach and proud to have been a friend of Dennis.
Julie Rice Kadavy
December 2, 2010
Very sad to hear this news as Dennis Mullen was a bright spot for high school kids and we were lucky to have him. We shared many laughs and good times on the tennis team and I often thought of him as I continued to play into adulthood. My sincere sympathy to Joyce, Jen and Kelli.
Julie Rice Kadavy, class of 1975.
Ron Harris
December 2, 2010
Man, I can't begin to imagine the number of hours I logged on those courts under the watchful eye of Dennis Mullen. He was simply the best. He was the gold standard for personal conduct and sports excellence at SCHS. He made the people around him better. We're were really spoiled to have someone like Dennis teach us tennis, history and a little bit about life. Great guy, great coach and he made a big impact on my life. I'll miss him. Ron Harris, class of '81.
Elena Najera-Perez
December 2, 2010
Mr. Mullen was an enjoyable teacher (world geography) with his easy smile and friendly demeanor. He will be missed.
Tim with future son in law
Tim Hopper
December 2, 2010
I graduated from SCHS in 1969. As senior class president I was lucky to have worked with Dennis in his role as our class advisor. He had a great sense of humor and was a fine person. I did see him, as many of us did, at our 40th reunion in October 2009. He has left us way too soon.
Bob Green
December 2, 2010
I will always remeber your gentle yet assertive coaching style with our girls on the SC High golf team at De La..Thank you for allowing me to walk and talk with you, Terry and Pete as we helped the girls learn the Game we love. Bob Green
Don hoover
December 2, 2010
Joyce I forgot to sign my entry. I enjoyed you coming to Draper.
Susan Mothershed
December 2, 2010
MR MULLEN WAS AND ICON DURING MY SCHOOL YEARS. ALWAYS SMILING, CHIPPER IN VOICE AND KIND HEARTED. HE WILL BE MISSED BUT WILL BE FOREVER IN MY MEMORY. With fond memories,
Susan Ulrey-Mothershed
Gwyn Adams Morgan
December 1, 2010
I spent many happy summer days and after school afternoons chasing down tennis balls with Dennis. He was the kind of coach you wanted to play your heart out for and the kind of person a teenager felt comfortable just hanging out with having a soda. I am very grateful to him, he made my years at SCHS very special.
My greatest sympathy to Joyce and the girls, Gwyn (Class of 1980)
Ralaine Lovato
December 1, 2010
When I think back to my high school days, Dennis Mullen is one of the teachers I remember with fondness. My thoughts are with the Mullen family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Pat Baer
December 1, 2010
Words cannot begin to express how deeply sorry I am to hear of Dennis Mullen’s passing. Dennis was a natural teacher, adoring husband, wonderful father and outstanding grandfather. He will surely be missed by all who were blessed to know him. My deepest condolences are sent to the Mullen family.
With Sympathy, Pat
Beth Ramos
December 1, 2010
Truly a great person, Tennis friend and Coach.
My sincereest sympathy to you Joyce and Family.
Sincerely,
Beth Ramos
Ken Pinkham
December 1, 2010
Dennis touched the lives of everyone he met with his kindness. He offered me support and friendship during and after High School. The times we spent inside and out of the classromm will never be forgotten. I am a better person to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Mullen family during this very sad time.
Loucynda Escobar
December 1, 2010
Mr. Mullen,
You will be missed. I really enjoyed your class as you were always so entertaining and had a way of getting us to laugh. And I remember so well how you and Mr. Newell would tease each other and play pranks. Oddly, I was thinking about you on Sunday =) Thank you for inspiring me.
~Loucynda
SCHS Class of '01
Edina Bajraktarevic
December 1, 2010
I would like to pass along my condolences to the Mullen family ... I remember Mr. Mullen clearly, he was one of the first teachers I encountered at SCHS when I was there as an exchange student my senior year of high school (1994). He the friendliest smile, and he balanced the seriousness of a classroom/curriculum with a good laugh really well! Not all teachers are remembered. I only took his class one semester and he stayed with me always. I will keep his family in my thoughts.
Domagoj Hum
December 1, 2010
Dear Dennis!
Thank you so much for everything! I can not describe what a great time was 93-94 tennis season! Remember the times when we would watch tennis in your classroom, we would cover the lil window on the door and you would write us excuses for other classes! Then going to the movies, dinners, excusing our tardiness, giving me a point penalty after talking to me for few minutes and explaining me why I deserve it.....You were my second father! We will miss you endlessly but You will always be with us!!!
Tao Stadler
December 1, 2010
Man, oh man, what I would give for another chance to hit balls with Dennis. For as much as I enjoyed high school, playing for Dennis was absolutely one of the most vivid memories I have. I hope he knew how much we all appreciated what he did for us as students and young men. He was very much our friend as much as he was our teacher.
Cheryl Winterburn
December 1, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss! Mr. Mullen was a friendly, loving teacher who we will remember fondly.
Love,
Cheryl & Kristen (Coutant)
Dave/Doll Brockmann
December 1, 2010
Dennis will always be remembered for his kindness at Santa Cruz High, whether it was in the classroom, on the tennis courts, or at the golf course. He will be missed and we'll never forget his warm, caring smile. Please know we are thinking of you -- Joyce, Jen and Kelli.
Aaron Woliczko
December 1, 2010
Joyce, Jen + Kelli my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I enjoyed Coach Mullen and have many fond memories of learning from him. He was an amazing person.
December 1, 2010
Wonderful person in our community-he will be missed!
Dina Enrico (Avila)
December 1, 2010
Thinking of you all. Mr. Mullen's humor and smile will always be remembered. I passed his room many a time, as the "hang-out" for us kids was nearly right outside his door on "the bar". He will be missed but know that he will never be forgotten.
Cristen/Matt McKnight
December 1, 2010
NO words can express the deepest sympathy we have for your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Marez
December 1, 2010
I enjoyed his classes at SCHS. He knew how to keep his students interested,and motivated. He made learning fun. I spent many summers in his tennis classes. What fun! He will be missed. My sympathies to your family.
Risa
December 1, 2010
Joyce, Jen, and Kelli,
My heart aches for you and your loss. Please know I am thinking of you...
Robert Borelli
December 1, 2010
Everybody had Dennis as a teacher,everybody loved him,everybody will truly miss him.Santa Cruz High lost a great one.
Chris Torres
December 1, 2010
I remember Mr. Mullen as a teacher when I was a senior at Santa Cruz High School in 1991. He was a lively and entertaining teacher and he will be missed.
Corey Brown
December 1, 2010
I had Dennis as a teacher for a few class's. He was a good teacher, and had a keen wit about him, a good man, that will be missed. My best to his family.
December 1, 2010
Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Denny had a wonderful time together. I still remember my visit with you back in the 60's. I still remember you coming to Draper one summer and visiting Jamestown. I love you and your two daughters.
Brendan Walsh
November 30, 2010
Dennis is central to many of my fondest and brightest memories of SCHS. I don't think I've seen a coach better able to inspire and relate to his players. Our thoughts are with Joyce, Jennifer, and Kelli.
bill parmenter
November 30, 2010
mr, mullen was a great person & i was honored to know him. i'm an ex-s.c.h.s. alum & it was an pleasure to be associated with mr. mullen. he will be missed & my thought & prayers go out to his family & friends.
bill parmenter,pahrump, nevada
Tim Schaefer
November 30, 2010
Mr Mullen you were one of my favorite teachers in High School('75-79) you made US history fun and interesting, I have thought about you many many times over the last 30 years. RIP Mr. Mullen you touched so many of our lives - Thank you for the gifts and memories you left behind.
Mike Jones
November 30, 2010
Thanks for being such a wonderful teacher! I remember AP Econ my Senior year as one of my favorite classes. We will miss you.
Mike Jones class of 1990
Heather Dufau
November 30, 2010
Mr. Mullen was one of my favorite teachers at Santa Cruz High- such a kind heart and soul. He touched a lot of lives in a positive way. I am so grateful to have known him.
The Knox Family
November 30, 2010
To The Mullen Family
Our sympathies are with you in this time of loss. Dennis will always have a special place in the hearts and lives of the Knox family, as he was both of our boys tennis coach when they attended Santa Cruz High. Our prayers are with you.
Terri Schneider
November 30, 2010
One of my favorite teachers in high school for his warmth, caring and personality. I will think of Mr. Mullen with excellent memories and feel privileged to have been his student.
Dharma Richards
November 30, 2010
I remember coach Mullen from my high school years from 1990-1993. I was on the youth tennis team during the summer of 1989. He gave me the confidence and skills to become one of the youth champions in 1989. He asked me to join the tennis team, but I didn't, I wish I had. R.I.P Coach Mullen.
Dharma J. Richards,
Would've graduated class of 1994, but transferred.
James Kilpatrick
November 30, 2010
Dennis will be loved and missed. His warmth and fantastic love of people and teaching were unforgettable. He was a wonderful part of the Santa Cruz High experience.
Kaj Kibak
November 30, 2010
I was in Mr. Mullen's AP US History class in his final year and it was him that inspired me to become a history teacher. I think of him often and have always appreciated his impact on my life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Randy Knox
November 30, 2010
Dennis was an incredible person and was the best tennis coach I ever had. He will be missed but will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Ryan Coonerty
November 30, 2010
Mr. Mullen was my history teacher and tennis coach. His enthusiasm was extraordinary and feel honored to have been his student. My thoughts and prayers are with the family -- thank you for sharing him with us.
Jason Allison
November 30, 2010
As my high school history teacher Dennis always handled my teenage angst with patience and treated me with dignity. I remember thinking he was pretty cool for an adult. He'll be missed.
Patty Sapone
November 30, 2010
Mr. Mullen was a beloved teacher, mentor, and friend. He continued to take an active interest in the lives of his former students. It was always fun to run into him as the years passed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Chris Bunting
November 30, 2010
Mr. Mullen retired the year I graduated. As I recall he got a standing ovation from my entire class. He was the only teacher to ever give me three exams within a single week and yet somehow make the entire class love him for it.
There are many teachers that I've had much more recently than Mr. Mullen who've already faded from my memory, but I daresay that I'll probably still remember Mr Mullen when (with a little luck) I hit 70.
I'll make sure to lift a glass in his honor in the near future. Take comfort in the fact that the odds of him being forgotten are scant at best.
Carolyn Smith
November 30, 2010
Dennis was an inspiration to all who knew him and a wonderful teacher, coach and friend to both my sons. We will miss him.
Andrew Ow
November 30, 2010
Mr. Mullen was a great teacher and person. As a student of his, I always appreciated his warmth, kindness, and sense of humor. He respected his students while forgiving their lapses in maturity. He will not soon be forgotten.
Liz Crowell Cassen
November 30, 2010
Joyce, Jennifer, and Kelli,
Thank you for sharing Dennis with all of us for so many years. He was a great teacher, coach, and mentor. I have a lifelong love of tennis, and great memories of SCHS because of him. What a great man!
God Bless Your Family.
Colleen Carey
November 30, 2010
This makes me so sad :( Mr Mullen was my AP History teacher and him and his wife would come into Starbucks all the time where I used to work and would still run into them there. Sweetest couple ever. I will miss you, Mr. Mullen. My heart goes out to your wife and family. <3
Karame Williams
November 30, 2010
Mr Mullen has and always will hold a special place in my heart, along with so many others. He touched so many lives and taught us all so much, eternally grateful. I'll miss you! Thoughts and prayers out to the family, we're all thinking of you.
Tim DeGrasse
November 30, 2010
Mr Mullen was my teacher and golf coach. He was one of the best people I have ever met. Santa Cruz will miss you.
November 30, 2010
I will have fond memories of teaching with Dennis at SC High; his easy-going demeanor was always cherished. He will truly be missed..
Deanna Young, Aptos
November 30, 2010
Joyce,Kelly and Jennifer,our prayers are with each of you and your family during this difficult time. God bless each of you and our love is with you.
Joe,Lorna and Amanda Robertson
Steve Carniglia
November 30, 2010
Dennis was a great human being. He was a teacher, a friend, a coach and a father figure to me. Thanks for all your support and memories Dennis!
My condolences to Joyce, Jennifer and Kelli. Dennis touched so many lives in a positive way. We were all blessed to have him in our lives.
Kathi Howard
November 30, 2010
Denny, we will miss your smiley face in the neighborhood. You will be remembered as a man who has blessed many generations. You were kind, witty, and stedfast in all you could be. Thank you Joyce, Jennifer and Kelli for sharing him with us. Our thoughts and PRAYERS are loving on you.
Ana
November 30, 2010
Mr. Mullen was a wonderful teacher, man, and overall person. His cheery disposition made my least favorite subject enjoyable. He made AP history a class I could look forward to. My condolences to the Mullen family. He will be remembered as one of my favorite teachers.
Terry Pearman
November 30, 2010
" Sir Dennis of Tennis" always fond in my mind. A great teacher and colleague. My prayers for the comfort of his family.
November 30, 2010
Mr. Mullen was an excellent teacher and a kind soul. May his family find peace in this difficult time.
Elias Salameh
November 30, 2010
My condolences,
Mr. Mullen was a fantastic teacher and is the reason I studied history in college. He will be fondly remembered.
Val Kingdom
November 30, 2010
Joyce, Jennifer and Kelli. My deepest sympathies in the loss of your husband and dad and our friend and teacher. He was a great man! My prayers are with you.
Susie Kingdom-Butler
November 30, 2010
Great man, great family. So sorry for your loss. Hugs to all of you.
Barbara Bernard
November 30, 2010
I am still in shock and disbelief. Dennis was not only my "coach" but a bit of a mentor and father figure. He taught me so much about life on and off the court. I'll miss his smile and spirit. My heart goes out to Joyce and his entire family. Class of 1979. Barb
Lawrena Lambert
November 30, 2010
I haven't seen Dennis in years. However, I remember him with great fondness. He tried to teach Teresa Darling, Linda Seigle and I how to play tennis through the the Recreation Department. He didn't succeed in that endeavor. He did achieve earning a dear place in my heart. We have laughed over the years at the fun we had and his wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
Joaquin Bridges
November 30, 2010
I'm very sorry to hear about Mr. Mullen. he was one of my favorite teachers at SC high and still remember him smiling in class. I wil miss him.
Bruce Gabriel
November 30, 2010
I have fond memories of couch Mullen, when he couched the 1st football team I ever played on, in my freshman year. The last lightweight football team at SCHS It was a great team we went one game from being being undefeated
Leslie
November 30, 2010
So Sorry for the loss of such a kind and gentle man.
Class of 1977
Armando & Cathy Sierra
November 30, 2010
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad was a great teacher and mentor. Our prayers go out to your family in these difficult times. We will miss Mr Mullen!
Steven Mendoza
November 30, 2010
My Condolences to the Mullen Family,
Dennis was a delightful and warm person. It is hard to believe he left this earth so young. I graduated in 1969 from SCHS. Dennis made a difference in the lives of countless people and not everyone on this earth has had that positive influence. My heart goes out to all of you and those who loved and knew him best. May the Lord comfort you, richly.
Ken Bunter
November 30, 2010
I've known Mr. Mullen for over 30 years - as my High School teacher, a customer, and a friend. I am so sorry and sad to hear of his passing. I know he was also a great husband and father. My family will pray for the Mullen family in their time of grief.
Gini Wright
November 30, 2010
You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. What a wonderful kind person Den was!! He will be missed!!
Josh Breeden
November 30, 2010
Who can forget his self depricating humor and quick wit. He calmly put me in my place on numerous occasions at SCHS. He was approachable and truly interested in the kids he taught. Thanks Dennis for everything you taught us. To Joyce, Jennifer, and Kelli, thank you for sharing him with us and know that ALL OUR THOUGHTS and PRAYERS are with you all.
Mary Anne Robb
November 30, 2010
Dennis was a wonderful man who touched the lives of so many. His memory will live on in our community. Joyce, Bay View is with you in this time of grief.
Mark Levy
November 30, 2010
Wow... hard to believe. Dennis was a terrific teacher and always showed he cared. Clearly he will be missed by many.
Be sure you read the comments to this story by going to the Sentinel online where you will see many people leaving their tributes to Dennis... several already and more to come.
Dennis proves that ...only the good die young. All my best to Joyce and the "girls".
fondly,
Mark Levy ...retired fellow teacher at SCHS
Denise Sherman
November 30, 2010
Sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Mullen was a great teacher. I was a student of his in the 70's.
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