Tolland, ECSU Mourning Loss Of Popular Teacher, Coach, Bernie Mulligan

TOLLAND, CT — Both the Tolland and Eastern Connecticut State University communities are mourning the loss of Bernard "Bernie" Mulligan, a longtime teacher and coach in town and a former popular basketball coach at the university.

Mulligan died last week at the age of 81.

His longtime coaching partner at Eastern — Dan Switchenko — offered an emotional tribute.

"During my tenure, Bernie was an integral member of our ECSU basketball staff from 1986 to 1994. During that nine-year span, we went to three ECAC and two NCAA tournaments. The 1993 team has proven to be the most successful team in Eastern history, having gone to the Elite 8 of the NCCA tournament. Bernie Mulligan was the consummate husband, father, teacher, coach and friend. He truly enriched all our lives."

Switchenko then paused and added, "It shows how important he was and what he did for Eastern basketball."

He married his wife, Roberta, in 1961. Mulligan graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School in North Grosvenordale and Central Connecticut State University, and he became dedicated to both teaching and coaching. He was a science teacher at Tolland Middle School for more than 30 years and coached basketball and baseball at Tolland High School.

He took his basketball coaching talents first to the junior college level at Manchester Community College and then at the NCAA Division III level at ECSU and at Western New England College.

"His passion for life and love is what comes to mind when I think of Coach Mulligan," said John Pfohl, a former player who went on to a coaching career of his own. "He made everyone around him feel special and important and he always made you smile. His humor was contagious and you could always count on him making the day better."

Along with Pfohl, the news spread across Eastern's tight basketball community late last week and it was met with sadness and respect. Mulligan had a knack of playing the "good cop" role that was a perfect compliment to Switchenko's intensity and they proved to be a dedicated duo on the bench.

"Coach Bernie was always confident in our ability," one former ESCU player said. "He was a calming influence on our group during big moments of big games. I hope he is enjoying that Big Popeyes in the sky."

Another former Eastern player said, "Bernie was the best ... the best."

Mulligan was also known for his amusing oration.

"Coach Bernie was one of the most impactful people in my life," one former player wrote on his obituary guest book. "As a player, then a young assistant, he taught me that the game should be fun and nothing is more important than treating people with respect and love. A master storyteller, he always had a great message at the end of every great story."

"Bernie will always be remembered for his warm sense of humor," another former player said.

Mulligan also loved fishing, playing golf and playing cribbage and spending his summers on Cape Cod.

See his full obituary from the Tolland Memorial Funeral Home here.

Calling hours are scheduled for Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m., with a celebration of life service at 5 p.m. at Tolland Memorial, 375 Merrow Rd.

For online condolences, please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.