Enfield Obituary: John Mulkern, Jr., 83

All because two people fell in love...

John J. Mulkern, Jr., 83, of West Hartford, passed away on August 8, 2016.

Born in New Haven on July 21, 1933, the son of John J. Mulkern, Sr. and Elizabeth (Pierce) Mulkern, John's long and happy life included 61 years of marriage to Helen "Nell" (Magnan) Mulkern. Together they raised eight children, all of whom were with him during his final days.

After graduating from St Mary's Catholic High School in New Haven, John joined the United States Navy, and toured Iceland, the British Isles, Scandinavia, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa as radar operator aboard a P2-V Neptune Bomber.

Following his naval service, John and Helen married in 1955. He earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from Tri-State University in Angola, IN. After working briefly for Chrysler Missile Corporation in Michigan, John and Helen moved their family back to Connecticut. John retired after 36 years with United Technologies Corporation - Hamilton Standard Division in Windsor Locks.

John is survived by the love of his life, Helen, and their eight children: Sue Esposito and her husband Jim of Mansfield, Sharon Ware and her husband Dave of West Hartford, Janet Laukaitis and her husband Mark of Scotland, CT, Steven Mulkern and his wife Marie of Willimantic, John P. Mulkern and his wife Susan of Agawam, MA, Peter Mulkern and his wife Kerry of Broad Brook, Judith Mulkern of West Hartford, and Michael Mulkern and his wife Ellie of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by more than forty grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Throughout his life, John was the epitome of a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and mentor. He taught his children and grandchildren throughout their lives with patience, understanding, and love. John played basketball and softball, and imparted his love of sport and games to everyone. Above all, John's gentle manner, kindness, and love will be remembered by those who knew him as we all strive to emulate his shining example.

Friends are invited to gather with Helen and "the kids" to share memories and to honor John's wonderful life at the home of Sharon and David Ware, 30 Sycamore Rd., West Hartford, on Friday, August 12, 2016, during the hours of 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM. John's longtime friend, Rev. Patrick McGarrity, CSsR, will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 13, at 11:00 AM, at the Church of The Holy Family, 185 Church St., Hebron.

Those wishing to honor John's memory may consider a donation to support the hospice care program at Masonicare Home Health and Hospice, 111 Founders Plaza, Suite 200, East Hartford, CT 06108.