W. Dundee funeral director devoted to community service
A longtime funeral director and active community volunteer in the Dundee Township area has passed away.
Thomas Mullen Sr. met with thousands of families and helped them through their most difficult times over the 36 years he ran Miller Funeral Home in West Dundee, family members say.
He passed away on Tuesday at the age of 75.
Mullen's commitment to service extended to the community nearly as soon as he and his wife, Irene, purchased the business in 1973. He quickly joined the Dundee Township Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the Community Chest and United Way boards, and within a few years assumed leadership in many of those organizations.
"My dad's mantra was one of service," says his son, Thomas Mullen Jr., who joined him in the family business in 1982. "He was all about helping people - not only the families he was privileged to serve, but also in the community."
As an active member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in West Dundee, Mullen carried out his faith by participating in the Knights of Columbus and in volunteering for the FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville.
"He was a quiet man who did a lot for people, with very little fanfare," his son said.
Mullen was a first generation funeral director. He sought out the business after returning from serving in the Army during the Korean conflict. Upon graduating from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1956, he first worked in Chicago.
When the Miller Funeral Home became available, he and his wife seized the chance to move their family out the to the suburbs and grow their own business.
The family with its five children lived above the funeral home, where Mullen was always available for grieving families.
"He was a man of deep faith, with incredible wisdom about life and death," said the Rev. Bill Yonker of Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee.
Besides his son, Mullen is survived by his wife of 50 years, Irene; their children, Jim (Jean) of Gilberts, Pat (Kim) of Carpentersville, Irene "Sissy" (Ron) Campbell of Algonquin and Joe (Kelly) of West Dundee; and 11 grandchildren.
Visitation will take place from 1-6 p.m. Sunday at the Miller Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St., before an 11 a.m. funeral Mass Monday at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 845 W. Main St., both in West Dundee.