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Robert Mulks Obituary

Mulks, Robert "Bobby"

Cayuga Lake: (November 6, 1954 - December 3, 2014) DISCLAIMER: To fully honor Bob's memory, this obituary is written using the "3% Theorem of Bob." If you who don't recall, or did not hear it referred to as such, the Theorem states: You can believe 3% of what Bob tells you, the other 97% of the time, he's f*#!ing with you! Bobby Mulks lived, loved and died on the shores of Cayuga Lake. From the day he was born, November 6th, 1954, he lived life at full throttle. He worked hard, played hard, was fiercely loyal to those he loved, and provided endless hours of entertainment value. Bob died of the Mulks' family heritage, often referred to as heart disease. Although seemingly inevitable, his passing was none the less unexpected. He died as he lived, his last moments consisted of peering down the new dress his wife was modeling, while lifting the skirt to have a peek underneath. Moments later, with a glass of wine in his hand, his heart disease won. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1972. Legend has it, he did so with the help of an unattended grade book, an eraser, a pencil and the assistance of a trusted friend to watch the door. With regard to Bob's work, the particular jobs are unimportant; he worked solely for the monetary means to enjoy all other aspects of his life. His job was never his driving force, his friends were. Wherever he worked, he found co-workers he brought into his heart and forever considered his family. Always willing to give to those in need, Bob gave of himself to the end. His eyes were successfully recovered to provide sight for unknown recipient[s]. For anyone receiving these gifts, don't be surprised if your eyes now rove down the shirt of the nearest legal-aged female. This may be followed by the sound of Bob's voice in your head saying "thank you" and "you're welcome" … and perhaps faint diabolical laughter. Bob loved you or hated you; there wasn't any in-between; you know which group you were in. If he hated you, he still does; if there is any way possible for him to make your life miserable, from wherever he may be, he will. Bob's cremation is being handled by Bangs Funeral Home. There will be no funeral, no calling hours and no typical services for Bob; he was in no way typical. There will be a few hours set aside to listen to some Rolling Stones music and share a drink of tequila: his two favorite things. Date and time to be determined after January 1st, 2015. Please plan on bringing a favorite picture and/or story to share, regarding memorable times spent with Bob. Bob's self-proclaimed closest living family are: his friends, his spousal unit (Heather), two cats and one fish. With Bob's passing, the eight-month-old, 11 pound cat, will likely soon be a nine-month-old, 10 pound cat. Thank you to everyone for reading and for appreciating and loving this man for his 60 wonderful years. In the famous last words from Challenger, a final message for Bob, "Go at throttle up!"

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ithaca Journal on Dec. 8, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Mulks

Not sure what to say?





Judy Newhart

November 30, 2023

Bob was such a great guy!

George scofield

December 2, 2022

Became friends with Bob 1964 at Fall Creek School
Always stayed friends. Bob was the best
Never a dull time.
The 3% theorem was true
In 5th grade.
Love ya Bobby

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

William "Willie" Hohmann

Planted Trees

David Cherock

December 1, 2019

Bobby was a great friend and a joy to work with on our projects at Corning, always professional. I think about him often and miss talking to him and when I see classic muscle cars I think of the beauties he had. Never forgotten, rest in peace brother.

Mary Leskinen Reese

March 12, 2015

For some reason I've been thinking about Bobby lately although I hadn't seen him in more than three decades. So today I googled his name and found this amazing obituary. I'm stunned of course, it was not anything I expected to find. With tears leaking out of my eyes as I read and remembered this unforgettable, vibrant human being. Thank you Bobby, I will cherish my memories.... I can hear you in my head whispering "You're welcome!" Cheers, my friend, I'll toast you whenever I have tequila!

December 21, 2014

Heather, I am so very sorry for yours and your family's loss. I didn't have the honor of knowing your husband, but sounds like he was a very cool dude :-) My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your families <3

Robert "Bobby G" Griffin

December 15, 2014

I am sorry for your loss Heather. Although it had been many years since working with Bobby, I still have memories from all those years ago and always enjoyed seeing him whenever we ran into one another over the years since then. Rest in Peace, Bobby!

Rick & Renee Neiderman

December 13, 2014

Heather & family Bob made a lot of memories with lots of people.He and the Duke always made you laugh

December 11, 2014

While viewing the obituaries, the word “disclaimer” caught my eye. Since then, I have read it twice and shared it with countless people. To take it a step further, during Wednesday's snow storm, my husband and I drove to the local casino determined to have a shot of Tequila in Bob's memory. We walked in, ordered two shots, raised our glasses and said “Here's to Bob”, a man we never knew. Later, after losing at the slots, I half-jokingly said “Bob, if you can hear me, I could sure use a little help here”. The next spin I won $286.00! Coincidence…maybe…but I don't believe in coincidence. Thank you for sharing Bob's story; I know I would have liked him, and I like to think I'd be in his “I like her” category.

pixi lott

December 10, 2014

It's not often that I am speechless (everybody knows I have the gift of gab just as Bobby did )This is one of those times RIP my friend see you on the other side .

David and Marisue Taube

December 10, 2014

Heather, we're so very sorry for the loss of your best friend, husband, and playmate.
Bobby was, indeed, unique among men. We cherished his friendship and hold fond memories of a gentle soul with great humor, compassion, reliability and loyalty. He was talented and skilled, freely offering those gifts to help others. We are among the many who asked for and received his assistance many times and shall forever remember Bobby and miss him. He is surely still watching out for you and his friends. Let's all raise a glass for our friend, Bobby Mulks.

Love to you, Heather. Bobby loved you beyond measure and was so very proud of your accomplishments.

David and Marisue Taube

Jeff Fairbrother

December 10, 2014

Met Bobby when he was with CDS doing the FTTD Project at SP - came back from Hickory, NC from fiber training and opened the back of a fiber enclosure in AR when Bobby walked in and proceeded to chew my butt! Afterwards he then proceeded to explain the reasons for doing things the right way/wrong way. He was a great teacher in work as well as in life - told it like it was and moved on.

One helluva guy!

Sorry for your loss Heather

Jack Howley

December 9, 2014

Everything Bob Mulks said or did as far as I was concerned was either funny or just plain cool. I worked with him when I was a teenager at Super Duper and he was a boss and later hung out a lot at Casey's shooting darts.
I never tired of listening to his stories which I know weren't b.s. He just lived exactly as its been mentioned here. I always admired Bob and envied him a bit too.
I only saw him once in a while the past few years but he'd always say "hey Heim, wows it"? And always had something to say that I'd walk away smiling.
The world will miss Bobby Mulks. Heather, please accept my condolences.

Vicky and Pat Mikuka

December 9, 2014

Heather, We are so sorry for your loss. We have so many great memories of Bobby.

One of my memories is of Bobby and Wayne Kemp while we were all in Vegas. As it turns out, I'm in Vegas now and had a drink at Harrahs in both their memories.

Our thoughts are with you, Vicky and Pat Mikuka

Jennifer Hoffman

December 9, 2014

Rest in peace Bob you were always nice too say hello too in shur save everyday and always had a good laugh when I saw you and your friends and family will truly miss you in our hearts but never forgotten rest easy good friend

Hazel Hall

December 9, 2014

So sorry for your loss and ours. Fly high, Bobby and give me hell.

Peggy Emerson

December 9, 2014

So sorry for your loss Heather thinking of you.

December 9, 2014

One of a kind. I know he'll handle the afterlife like he handled the "before life"--on his own terms.

David

December 9, 2014

Heather, I would like to express my sympathy to you and your family. Sorry for your loss.

Howie Fuller

December 9, 2014

Dear Heather,

I am truly saddened to hear of Bobby's passing. We met and worked together for 3 years at Super Duper and became best and everlasting friends. We also 'worked' at the Fall Creek House making pizzas in the back and spent the night there playing foosball when the first foosball table was delivered. We actually traveled upstate NY playing in tournaments, in other words looking for any occasion to party. I lived with Mulksie and his parents for 6 months when our house burned down, spending so much time there that his Mom would leave me notes and money to get a haircut as though I were her 3rd son. Mulksie actually introduced me to my wife JoAnn 44 years ago and was in my wedding. I've been blessed with many great friends over the years but none more so than Bobby. Needless to say, I miss him but am grateful for my time spent with him. My best wishes are with you at this time. Take care.

Clay & Cheryl Burruss

December 9, 2014

Heather - Although we haven't seen you and Bobby in a while John and Debbie saw Bob every week at the store, and they had some laughs and stories that they would tell us about. So, the obituary was definitely in the spirit of Bob, he will be missed by many.

Jim Dieter

December 9, 2014

Heather,
We are so sorry. Bobby was a once in a lifetime friend and mentor to a lot of us. He also opened my eyes about 15 years ago and Becky thanks him for that daily!! Jim Dieter and Becky Balmer

December 9, 2014

Bobby was always a great guy
from Fall Creek School thru
high school My thougths and prayers to his family during this time of loss
George Scofield

Brenda (Todi) Campbell

December 9, 2014

RIP Bobby, you will be missed. Alot of memories, laughs, good times. Heather said it all in a wonderful Obit. Our thoughts and prayers to Heather and family.

David & Sandy Cherock

December 8, 2014

We still can't believe it. Bobby, you were the most awesome friend. Your smile and personality and jokes will be in our memory forever dear friend. Thank you for blessing our lives and know that you will truly be missed. We know that God will certainly find a beautiful place with him at his side and that is how we will find peace. Heather, we love you and we will always be here for you. Thank God for his many blessings. Good bye dear friend!

Susan LaCette

December 8, 2014

So sorry to hear that Bob is gone. I first met him when he was in high school and we worked together at the Super Duper. Then, we became reacquainted at the Tburg Sure Save. What a guy! So friendly and so much fun. So sad.

james and rev.tami bovard

December 8, 2014

We our truly saddened by your huge loss. Thank you for the wonderful peek into this extraordinary man's life. You both were indeed blessed. You are in our prayers.

MEW

December 8, 2014

I never knew Bobby but feel I've missed the chance of a lifetime.

December 8, 2014

Many good memories of Bobby, and great laughs!

Jean and Dale Wise

December 8, 2014

So Sorry Heather for the loss of the love in your life. His obituary was well written and candid. We would have enjoyed knowing him. Please accept our condolences and know you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Kelly Case

December 8, 2014

My childhood was spent hanging out at Casey's with Bobby, Jeff, Robin, Wayne, Terri, Gary, Brian and many others. I will always love and remember Bobby even though he teased me a lot.

Bill & Willie Mack

December 8, 2014

Bobby,
We've wandered in & out of one another's lives for 60 years. It's always been an honor to call you a friend, even from afar. I'm saddened that your life has ended so soon. Our world can never be a better place when it loses a benevolent soul such as you. God bless you, Bobby. Heather, our sympathies go out to you in this difficult time. We're happy that Bobby brought you into our lives for our final years at "the lake". Take care.

December 8, 2014

Heather,
We are so very sorry and sad to hear that Bob is gone…from our sight.
He was an amazing neighbor: the best, always willing to help in any way he could. We can't imagine returning to Ladoga with him gone.
Our heart breaks for you. And we pray for peace and healing for you in this time of terrible loss..
With much love, Mike and Carolyn Richards

John Payne

December 8, 2014

He was a great guy. So, many memories from knowing Bob forty years or more. Heather you made the Christmas cookies and Bob always delivered them to Michael. Bob would sit here and talk to Michael(his favorite pass time) for hours and have beer and share old times. He will be greatly missed by our family. John, Pam and Michael Payne.

Ardell Allen

December 8, 2014

Bobby was definitely one of kind! I've spent close to 30 years rolling my eyes at the things he's said and done.I remember the days of bartending and being careful not to bend too far over the rinse sink in front of him or suffer the oggling and "wonderful" comments. He truly did have a heart of gold and will be missed by many! My sincere condolences to his wife and family! May you find comfort in your memories.

December 8, 2014

Heather:
You couldn't have written it any better.
Bobby would be and, I know is so proud of you. I will so miss my friend.
Love,
Lizzie (or as Bob always like to call me, Lizzard Breath)

Karen and Joe Brand

December 8, 2014

So sorry Heather. Ladoga Park won't be the same. A lot of great memories at the lake. Bob probably had a drink waiting for him. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know.

Fred Jackson

December 8, 2014

Bobby always made my day brighter with his smile and kind words, I will always remember all the good things about him. My thoughts and prayers are with you Heather.

Brian & Jeannie Miller

December 8, 2014

Keeping you in our thoughts
-peace & love,

Joe Wiiki

December 8, 2014

So sorry to hear of your loss Heather.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

renee hoffman-Reid

December 8, 2014

I think i remeber him from the lake.The Hoffman Family

December 7, 2014

I will remember you as I saw you a few days ago at the store: with your usual smile and love to all. we will miss you so!! Until we meet again, dear friend!

Mike & Colleen Wells

December 7, 2014

Bobby, it was such an honor to have you as our friend. Your jokes, smiles & amazing personality are going to be missed. May you rest in peace. Heather, hopefully family & friends will help you through such a difficult time. Thoughts & prayers are with you. Our hearts are broken.

Jim Honness

December 7, 2014

My sympathies and prayers go out to Heather and the Mulks family. I knew Bobby from the bar he managed/owned at the bottom of State Street hill. Had some great, great times there.

Larry Sprague

December 7, 2014

So sorry for your loss Heather, he was one of a kind. Way to soon Bobby, way to soon. See ya on the other side kid.

Lori and Jim Robertson

December 7, 2014

So many memories of great times spent with Bobby! What an awesome tribute to him. All who knew and loved him go on with heavy hearts, but become lighter when they think of him and smile. Our sympathy and love to you, Heather.

Sharon Vincent

December 7, 2014

So very sorry for your loss. I will remember Bobby as a fun loving good guy. It seems I knew him and his brother,Richie, my entire life. Bobby was 4 yrs younger than me, but I always thought what a little cutie he was. My heart aches that he has left his family and friends so young. Till we meet again Bobby. Love to you and your family. Sharon

Susan Benedict

December 7, 2014

Bobby, I will always remember the days at the Party House....my goodness, you made all of us laugh!! Heather, may your memories help you through this difficult time. God Bless.

Micky Roof

December 7, 2014

So sorry for your loss.
Every one at the jewelboxed loved working with Bobby.
Great man.

Judy (Ciaschi) Newhart

December 7, 2014

I have many fond memories of Bobby back in the day when we all worked at Super Duper. He always had a smile on his face and it was a great time hanging out with him. I haven't seen him much in the past years, but when I did, he was the guy I remember. I am very saddened to hear of his passing..but knowing him, he's having fun where ever he is!

Judith Lankau

December 7, 2014

God Bless. May his vibrant memories bring you peace and comfort.

Mark Stuart

December 7, 2014

Rest in peace Bobby, best wishes to your family and friends...

Willie Evans

December 7, 2014

Heather I am sorry for your loss I hope the healing begins soon, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time..

The Lovejoy's

December 7, 2014

To a wonderful man with such a great smile,always...you will be missed by so many. Rip my friend. Heather our hearts and prayers are with you honey
.

Garry and Gay Huddle

December 7, 2014

Bobby was a good guy and we liked him. We are very sorry for your loss and know that a life without Bobby will surely be less fun for his family and friends. Sincerely,

Dale

December 7, 2014

Didn't know Bob, but I understand and loved the obit.

December 7, 2014

RIP my friend, Bobby Mulks. Heather, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen Sullivan

December 7, 2014

Rest in peace Bob. God bless you and your family.
Dwayne Johnson- Destin, FL

December 7, 2014

So sorry to hear of Bobbys passing, many fond memories of him.

Roberta Dillon

December 7, 2014

Heather...I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't have the honor of knowing Bobby but it sounds like he was one helluva guy and the world is a bit darker with his passing. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

mary colby

December 6, 2014

You will be truly missed every day, it won't be the same going in the store and not hearing you say hi honey or your laugh. Rest in peace dear friend and thoughts and prayers to your family.

george francis

December 6, 2014

RIP Bob i will always remember the conversations we use to have while at work.I guess you won the bet

Deb Rumsey

December 6, 2014

Bob..Rest in peace my friend...You will be missed by many, as you were loved by many... Heather Thoughts and prayers going your way

TJ Jaynes

December 6, 2014

I will cherish the memories of our time together. You were a great friend and the BEST mentor anyone could have asked for. You were one of the very few I looked up to, I will miss you terribly ........I love you mulskey

Kirstie Miazga

December 6, 2014

You were such a great man and a wonderful personality. So funny with all the short jokes about me you could think of that day of work. You always made a point to greet me "hey little one!" And even when I was in a bad mood you always knew how to make me laugh For that, and many other memories you are most deffinitly,one of my favorite people I've ever gotten the pleasure of knowing. You are missed so terribly already. Rest easy bob! Forever in our hearts. ?

Terri, Kristi, Kim Mulks

December 6, 2014

Rest In Peace Uncle Bobby. Your grin will be missed but the memories will linger. You were a constant figure of my childhood at Nanny's and the beloved lake, you always had a hug for us girls no matter how long it had been, you gave Matt a chance that has built into a successful company. I loved that house on Asbury where I could kick off my shoes, have a drink, and talk for hours. Us girls hope you are reunited with Duke and Dad, sitting at Casey's Bar, and telling some tall tales. You Mulks men had the biggest hearts. You will always be a piece of ours.

Mickey Brill

December 6, 2014

Mulksey,

Will always remember the times we had in the bar together. You were one crazy guy. You'll be missed, RIP my friend.

Richard Bascom

December 5, 2014

Thank you for all the great memories and support Bobby.

Jake Benninger

December 5, 2014

Heather, so sorry.

Please let me know if you need any thing.

Tony Todi

December 5, 2014

You will be missed Bobby.

Larissa Mack

December 4, 2014

RIP bobbo, So glad that I was able to know you, you are a great person who was loved so much! You gave me great advice and you will be truly missed. Thoughts and prayers for Heather.

Meggan Conklin

December 4, 2014

You will be dearly missed and were loved greatly...thoughts and love for Heather.

wendy (white) gellert

December 4, 2014

RIP Bobby, you were a great person and friend. My prayers are with your family.

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