SARATOGA SPRINGS — Thomas V. Mullan Sr., 81, of North Jordan Drive, passed away Friday, July 18 at Saratoga Hospital.
Born on June 23, 1933 in Brookline, he was the son of the late Thomas and Lottie Mullan. At the age of seven Tom moved to Saratoga and was raised by his grandparents, Charles and Bertha Weatherwax.
As a young boy he started working by shining shoes, selling newspapers and tip sheets at the race track. He also worked for Western Union.
A graduate of St. Peter’s Academy, class of 1950, Tom was known for his academic achievements as well as his outstanding athletic ability.
After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1951-55. During this time, Tom met Elizabeth “Bette” Clark in the youth center at the Convention Hall during a Sadie Hawkins Dance. During their 62 years of marriage, Tom was a well-loved postal carrier. He also worked as a mutual clerk at the raceway and race track and enjoyed selling tip sheets there for many years.
Tom was a member of St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs and Holy Spirit Church in Nalcrest, Florida, where he and Bette enjoyed the winter months over the past 37 years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 420 and enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing cards, billiards and watching various sports. Most of all, Tom enjoyed spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, Tom was predeceased by his sister Patricia Smith, nephew Kevin Smith and infant granddaughters, Melissa and Michelle Pickert.
Survivors include his loving wife, Bette; children, Colleen (Jeff) Becktoft, Thomas Mullan Jr., Daniel (Doranne) Mullan, all of Saratoga Springs, and Kathy (Brad) Pickert of Colorado; 10 grandchildren, Tracy (Jason) O’Connor, Christopher (Alison) Becktoft, Daniel (Meghan) Mullan, Jr., Kelly (Camron) McKinley, Christina (Jack) Pallazzo, Ryan Mullan, Thomas (Julia) Mullan, III, Chad, Megan and Dani Pickert; 14 great-grandchildren and one step-great- granddaughter. Tom will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 29 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-5373.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave. and burial with military honors will follow in the family plot at Maplewood Cemetery, Weibel Avenue and Louden Road.
Donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
