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1938 - 2021

BORN

1938

DIED

2021

Declan Mulligan Obituary

Declan Mulligan
April 8, 1938- November 2, 2021
John Declan Mulligan, 83, an original member of the Beau Brummels, the first San Francisco rock group to achieve nationwide fame in the 1960s, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. He was devoted to his wife Tanya, who survives him, his many friends and his beloved Shih Tzu, Ivan. Funeral arrangements are private.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 6 to Nov. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Declan Mulligan

21 Entries

Kevin O´Driscoll

September 6, 2025

I just found out about Declan´s passing. My brothers and sister often went to the Abbey Tavern back in the early 80´s. We got to know him a wee bit between songs. He was a very humble and gracious human being. He was open about his career. To think I saw him first as a four year old while watching the Flintstones. I am sure he was asked about that episode a million times, but he acted like it was the very first time whenever someone asked him about it. Glad I got to met him. Always remember him wishing me happy birthday on my twenty first birthday while celebrating at the Abbey Tavern.

JILL

April 18, 2024

It just happened that I was introduced to Declan..I perceived him to be an honest talented and decent guy...we just spoke for a short time. He told me about his soon to be wife and that she was waiting for him...so our friendship could not last part that time..he seemed like a jewel of a guy.

MaryAnne Follan Crotti

November 20, 2021

So sad to hear about the passing of Declan. I use to look so forward to the weekend so I could go with friends and dance to his music at the Abbey Tavern. The Beau Brummels played at my sister Noreen's wedding but he was already book for my wedding. Declan was a dear family friend and will cherish his memory forever!

Ann

November 15, 2021

Dec was a wonderful friend to my family. We all thought the world of him. Dec guided me toward a lifelong love of music. Dec taught my brother how to play guitar, which gave him immeasurable joy his entire life. We all loved hearing Dec sing and play the guitar when he came to visit. Dec and his friend would take us kids water skiing at Lake Berryessa, even in the worst of weather, which made for even more fun. I have so many happy memories of Dec. I miss him so.

Patrick and Marie Mallon

November 15, 2021

We knew Declan for many years may he rest in peace

Kathy Sullivan

November 15, 2021

Great memories of working with you, Colm and Fergus at the Irish Center. Also, the moving of my piano. Thanks

Karen McDonald

November 15, 2021

RIP Declan- I have such wonderful memories of your music back in the Abbey Tavern days, you were the best.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to the family. From Joe, Peggy and Karen McDonald

Dave and Sue Armstrong

November 14, 2021

We had the good fortune to meet Dec and Tanya in '07
through a familial channel on Tanya's side of the family. Dec 'volunteered' to drive up to our Sierra home, break
out his beloved guitar and perform several of his pop
creations for us and our guests. He was a very loving, generous gentleman.
R.I.P. dear Dec.
Dave & Sue Armstrong

George Battey

November 11, 2021

Dec was many thingss; but the best thing was his kindness. He would do anything for you; if he could. I worked with him four years at the Presidio and they were the best years. Judy and I extend our depest sympathy to Tanya. RIP dec. George Battey

Jim Moyles

November 10, 2021

Rest In Peace, Declan. And thanks for the memories and all the music. We had quite the good long run.

My condolences to Tanya, Sean, and to all his family and friends.

Howard (Pope Valley Parachute Club)

November 10, 2021

Greatest guitarist I've ever known. Personable, funny, amazing musician. Those days at Abbey Tavern are the good days in my life at a time I needed it most. Thank you, Declan ... for your music, your friendship and my "98 cent autograph".

Stephanie Malaspina

November 10, 2021

Thanks for all the great Beau Brummels music. What a great sound you had. Hope you're jammin in heaven. C

Bam 2

November 9, 2021

One of the purist musicians ever from the old school. A great mentor. Thank you for the inspiration...

John Dillon

November 9, 2021

I met Mr Mulligan at CAE Sound in San Mateo years ago. Very nice man. His harmonica part on Laugh Laugh is epic RIP Declan

Carl Baskin

November 9, 2021

RIP, Declan. I always loved the Beau Brummels and still listen to it often.

John Hjort

November 8, 2021

He is in my heart, for now and forever...I'm so fortunate to have known him...

Jack Quinn

November 7, 2021

I was deeply saddened when Marian, his sister, told me that Declan, my beloved childhood and teenage best friend had died. We were inseparable during my school holidays, all of which were spent in Fethard. Fortunately, with Marian´s help, I managed to connect and reminisce with him on one phone call several month´s ago. I will remember him fondly. To Tanya and Marian I send my condolences and warm regards on their great loss.

Kathy Hurley Taylor

November 7, 2021

The Beau Brummels played at my wedding in 1984. I never sat down because I was on the dance floor the whole night. Still listen to their songs. Also knew him a bit through the Irish community....a very nice man. RIP Declan.

terry dunnigan

November 6, 2021

My condolences to Declan's family. Shared many a night at the Shannon Arms, enjoying his music. Salt of the Earth.

Tom & Sandra McGuire & family

November 6, 2021

We will miss you Declan. Many years of listening and dancing to your music. God Bless
,

Danny & Betty McElligott

November 6, 2021

Condolences to Declan´s family.
We had many great nights dancing to Declan´s music.
Rest in peace Declan.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results