Remembering Hugh Mullen

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Hugh Arthur Mullen, a man of extraordinary warmth, dedication, and zest for life, bid farewell to this world on May 7, 2024. In true Hugh fashion, he never slowed down, working until his last days, and in the very end went on vacation without spending a single second on a deathbed. While aboard an Alaskan cruise, robust and jovial as ever, he peacefully slipped into eternal sleep on the very last evening.

Born on November 19, 1941, in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York, Hugh was the beloved son of Ellen and Hugh Mullen and older brother to John Mullen. Surrounded by loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, he had a formative upbringing in an Irish Catholic household. After a stint in the seminary and formal education at St. John’s University, he embarked on a remarkable path that led him to serve in the Coast Guard and settle in sunny southern California, where he worked as an auditor for the State Board of Equalization, managed multiple 7-11’s, and had various jobs before going into private practice as a Certified Public Accountant.

A serendipitous encounter on a plane bound for Acapulco led Hugh to meet the love of his life, Margaret Jean Chapin. Their connection was instant and profound, culminating in marriage a mere three weeks later. Together, they built a family life in Los Angeles filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

An avid fisherman, he found solace and joy in the tranquil waters, particularly during the opening days of trout fishing season at June Lake in the High Sierras. His love for the outdoors extended to travels far and wide with Jean and later solo journeys to Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond. Hugh also found great joy in various hobbies throughout his lifetime, including painting, playing bridge, reading mystery novels, bowling, shooting pool, participating in a softball league, and lending his voice to a choir or great karaoke song. In more recent years, Yahtzee or dominoes were daily occurrences in his household, and he took great pleasure in playing these games with his family.

Hugh's love for sports was evident in his unwavering support for his beloved Dodgers and Lakers. His allegiance to the Dodgers was so profound that he followed them across the country to Los Angeles, where he continued to cheer them on with the fervor of a true fan. Football games also reverberated throughout the house on Sundays after Mass and breakfast out with his family. His and Jean’s annual Super Bowl parties are considered legendary among those who attended.

Hugh's ability to embrace a fun, leisurely life was counterbalanced by a strong work ethic. As an accountant, Hugh's professionalism was matched only by his compassion. He treated his clients not as mere numbers on a ledger but as cherished members of his extended family. His dedication to their success went beyond financial matters; he invested in their dreams and celebrated their victories as if they were his own.

Hugh's devotion to family was unparalleled. As doting parents of four, he and Jean always kept an open-door policy in their home after their children grew up. Many of their children’s friends were also recipients of their boundless love and generosity throughout the years. When Jean endured a long and deteriorating neurological illness, Hugh’s love especially shone through in the way he cared for and cherished her.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Hugh is survived by his adoring children Tracy, Allene, Kyla, and Michael, and his five beloved grandchildren Kanoa, Ren, Leo, Sunaya, and Samir. He also leaves behind his son-in-laws Rama Arya and Bryan Gifford and brother-in-law Ed Chapin, sister-in-law Debbie Malloy, nephews Russell Chapin and Eddie Chapin, along with wife Zoe, and great niece Abigail Chapin, and many cousins. His presence brought warmth and light to every gathering, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who were fortunate enough to be touched by his love and kindness. May Hugh’s positivity, youthful spirit, and downright jolly presence live on in the hearts and souls of all those who knew and loved him.

Hugh Arthur Mullen
November 19, 1941 - May 7, 2024