Robert Francis "Bob" Mulhern

1948 - 2026

Robert "Bob" Francis Mulhern
01/29/1948 - 03/10/2026
Robert Francis Mulhern passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on March 10, 2026.
Bob was one of eight siblings and came from a large, close-knit Irish Catholic family that meant the world to him. Born and raised in Wilkes Barre, PA, Bob attended St. Mary's High School and went on to play basketball for Seton Hall University. Bob carried his love of sports throughout his life. He had an incredible memory and a gift for recalling the most random and impressive sports facts-something family and friends always marveled at.
In 1973, Bob made his way to San Francisco, where he began working at a popular bar. It was there that he met the love of his life, Kathleen, a TWA flight attendant. Bob and Kathleen married in 1976 and built a beautiful life together centered around family, friends, and community.
In 1981, Bob went on to open his first bar and restaurant, Mulhern's - a place that quickly became a cornerstone of the Marina district. Mulhern's remains fondly remembered, with stories and memories that endure to this day.
A friend to everyone and a stranger to no one, Bob had the rare gift of making people feel seen, valued, and truly welcome-as if they were the only person in the room. His warmth, quick wit, and generous spirit made him a beloved and unforgettable figure throughout San Francisco.
Over the years, Bob owned and managed several San Francisco restaurants, bringing people together through hospitality, laughter, and great stories. He spent the final two decades of his career as General Manager of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, where he remained a cherished leader and friend to so many.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Kathleen; his daughters, Mimi (Paul) Murphy and Bridget (Matt) Lemos; and his son, Sean Mulhern. He also leaves behind his five cherished grandchildren: Cody, Shane, and Sloane Lemos, and Peyton and Ashley Murphy, along with his many siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and nothing made him happier than talking about their lives and accomplishments with others.
Bob's laughter, kindness, and larger-than-life spirit filled every room he entered. No one ever left Bob Mulhern's company without a smile, and his legacy of warmth, friendship, and family will live on in the countless lives he touched.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 28th at St. Vincent de Paul Church in San Francisco at 12:00 p.m., with doors opening at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the Mulhern family would be honored by donations to the Bright Futures program (http://www.staracademy.org/brightfutures) a program close to Bob's heart and dear to the Mulhern family.