4:21am 12-10-2007

Joe Klimko

Our 25th Weequahic High Reunion was a blast in 1978. Phil made a big hit with the ladies by giving them all an orchid from Hawaii. The party was fantastic and it rekindled our friendship. Grace and I took a 25th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii in 1986 and our last stop was Maui. Phil greeted us warmly at our Wailea hotel with a cast on his left arm but it did not slow him down. He took us to a fantastic steak house and we really felt at home. We spent a week touring Maui and visited Phil and Pat at their home one night and had a great dinner at a Kula restaurant. Our visits and talks that trip were like there were no years separating our childhood friendship. That's the magic of GOLDEN friendships. From that point on we stayed in contact via E Mail and telephone and he stopped by to visit each time he was in NJ. My favorite period was when he dove into the hobby of flying model airplanes. I got pictures of all of them both before and after the crashes. I vividly remember when the engine prop cut his inside hand and he needed stitches. Did that stop him - Never. I also saw all the plans and various stages of the new hobby room he added to his home to handle this new adventure. He trully loved it for as long as it lasted. I tried to convince him that he ought to look into model powerboat sailing, but I failed. Another time I remember well was when he and Pat bought their new home in Sun Cities Grand in Arizona. What an exciting time that was and many E Mails were shared. I truly admire his stamina when they sold the home and he packed up many, many boxes to be shipped back to Maui. We kept in touch and shared many a conversation during both their illnesses. As was typical Phil, he never complained and just kept on rowing. He truly deserved every success he achieved as he worked hard for each one. I'm sure he's got a special place in heaven and will always be with us in spirit.
Joe K.

1:36am 12-10-2007

Joe Klimko

Phil and I go back to when we were both in 1st grade. We attended St. Peter's Grammer and Weequahic High Schools together and then lost touch when he enlisted in the Navy in 1954. We were both in Troop 3 of the Boy Scouts too, and when we talk about the old days we have many memories to share. Phil was as nostalgic as I am, and always enjoyed talking about our early years. We didn't have much by today's standards, but we appreciated and were happy with what we did have. If one thing stands out in Phil, it is his willingness to take RISKS. He never let up, and when one door closed, and another opened in a chapter in his life, he focused on that new opportunity and put his full effort into it. I am very conservative and never took too many risks. I worked for the same company for 41 yrs and we live in our same home for 44 yrs. I just set the stage my memories of Phil so you can better understand my sincere comments. He was one person who really turned the lights on when he entered the room. A vibrant but humble personality, something on the order of a Donald Trump stature but he did not put you down. He had a humble way about him even though he would kid you a lot. If you see any pictures of us, out favorite is when we made our 1st communion - two angels in front of the grotto at St. Peter's Church. We laughed at this one and others when he and Pat visited us several years ago. Phil twisted the arm of the 50th High School Reunion chairwoman to have a picture taken of the St. Peter's Grammer School attendee's. After all, they were taking pictures of the other graduating classes and that it wasn't fair. I'm the old guy in that favorite picture of us in 2003. We picked up our friendship in 1978 at our 25th High School Reunion.
I'll pickup there in my next note. Joe K.

7:09pm 12-09-2007

Lynne Kennedy

Uncle Phil was one of the best uncles and great uncles to us. Heather wants to know "Are we there yet?" We had the time of our lives out in Hawaii with all of you. I remember Samantha and Uncle Danny were out in the garage doing crafts while Heather was hanging with Unlce Phil joking around. Aunt Joan over-filling the hot tub with bubbles and the look on Uncle Phils face when he came outside and saw it. Talk about a priceless moment. He made us laugh like we have never laughed. When he woud send me an email picture of his plane that was damaged in a crash I would tell him "your suppose to fly them not crash them." His response was always "When I crash them I get to build another one bigger and better." About a year or so ago they came to NJ and stopped in for a visit and we laugh at all his stories. We will all miss him dearly and miss his funny emails and jokes. I was also put in the corner numerous times and come to think of it haven't been let out of it from the last time. Can I come out now?

We love you and will miss you!
Lynne, Kevin, Heather and Samantha

6:46pm 12-09-2007

Chuck McGowen

I think the way we came to know each other speaks volumes to the character of the man I came to know. Back in 2000 - 2001 I began working on a project here in Florida to provide a memorial to all those who helped us win the Cold War. Central to the effort was to be the berthing USS Sailfish submarine. Among her crew alumni was a great man named Phil Mulligan. Phil sent me a photo taken of him standing watch on board during his tenure. We all tried as best we could but in the end the Navy would not take the actions necessary allowing us to save her and the memorial idea faded into history. Our contact could easily have been broken and lost forever to the sands of time. We connected through and somewhere during our note swapping he sent me a joke. I sent him one. We both laughed. He joined my joke list and we swapped humor and insightful messages. I was forever saying "Thanks Phil !" as I passed along his humor to the folks. Deeper than humor there was a connection and a constant desire to help make a difference, it clearly showed. We swapped notes on all kinds of subjects and he would felt free to tell me to "go to the corner Chuck". Several days would pass and I would send him a note asking if it was ok to come out now and he would laugh and always had a witty reply. We had Real Estate, R/C airplanes in common & I followed the building of his "hobby room". I was glad when he decided not whack his hands any more with those airplane propellers. Hand whacking was another area we related to also & my plane is in as many pieces as his and we laughed about that too. He never ceased to try and make something a little better than when found it. You did Phil. You did. I am honored to have had the opportunity to experience his friendship. His kindly spirit and strength of character knew no bounds and though we never physically met, will be deeply missed.

THANKS PHIL!!!

6:27pm 12-09-2007

Tony DiPietro

Phil and I met in the Navy. We hit it right off and spent many great liberties together. After we got out of the service we remained close friends for 54 years. I never heard a bad word about Phil. He got along with everyone and he always knew how to spice up a party. I hated that he moved to Hawaii but I was able to visit him and the family and had the pleasure of attending Dawn's wedding. I'll miss all his email jokes. God bless you pal, I'll see you in Heaven. Love, Tony ( goomba )

1:32pm 12-09-2007

Roger & Lauri Kotch

Roger and I will never forget the first party we attended at Phil & Pat's. The rowdy Arizona neighbors came over and to break up the normal party attitude, Phil decided to have a frozen weiner contest. You had to hold the weiner between your knees and pass it to the next person. We laughed so hard I don't think any one could do it. We will really miss his funny stories and jokes. Phil really loved life!!! Your neighbor 2 doors away in Arizona.

11:08am 12-09-2007

Ann Johnson

Phil was truly a legend in his own time. Fun, outgoing, hard working, quick witted, always ready to help a neighbor, he loved to win, whether it was Mulligan's crap or the game of life. He loved your mom dearly and he also loved and cherished his family. He was a strong, wonderful, kind and caring person. He will always be remembered fondly and with a chuckle, for that is the way he lived his life

11:01am 12-09-2007

Eric Chase

Phil was a joy to be with, and was one of those people who enjoyed life, and had an enthusiasm which was contagious. He often came down to the field with Bill James on Tuesday and Thursday, and the Doc would put another one of his Sig Kadets into the cane feild, but Phil would build another and fly again. In Bill's defense, Phil would fly until the plane was a dot on the horizon, hand the radio to Bill and say "It's Yours"
A year ago he was helping us build the pit shade, digging the holes and checking the level. He put his foot in that one. One of the holes that is falling on his cell phone causing a bruise that looked awful for at least a month. That's really giving your all to the club. I think he did this so he didn't have to put on the roof.

7:40am 12-09-2007

Bob & Theresa Fowler

Bob and I come to Maui every year in May. We had told Phil that we would love to stop by and visit him and Pat when we were in town. The first time we were supposed to visit, May of 2004; I called Phil and declined to come over, as my Dad had passed away while we were in Maui, and I just didn’t feel like company. So the next year comes along, and now it is May of 2005, we had emailed Phil all year long, and said we were going to visit this year for sure; well, while we were in town, my husband’s only brother passed away, again we declined to come over. So now another year goes by and it’s May 2006; we FINALLY make over to Pat & Phil’s, they invited us in, and we sat down for a nice visit. During the conversation, Phil looked at Bob and I and said: So, do your relatives get nervous when you come over to Maui?

7:38am 12-09-2007

Theresa & Bob Fowler

So, does Bob let you stay in the house, or do you have to stay in the Casita?

7:37am 12-09-2007

Bob & Theresa Fowler

We were only lucky enough to know Phil for a few short years, but it was like we had known him forever…..I have a few short funny stories to tell you about Phil. - I will have to post a couple of times, due to size.....

My mom was staying with us, and I took her for a ride in the golf cart. When we passed by Phil & Pat’s he was outside (of course in shorts), we stopped and I introduced Phil to my mom; he looked at my 79 year old mother, and said:

9:32pm 12-08-2007

Kristi Sheahan

I feel blessed that I was able to know Mr. Mulligan and be part of this wonderful family. My favorite memories of Mr. Mulligan was that he always found someone to pick on. When the room filled up with many, you were not safe from some sort of joke or being made fun of. It was never a bad thing that Mr. mulligan teased someone, it just meant that he liked you. Thank you to the Mulligan family for making this available for those who could not attend the service. We are saddened by the loss of Mr. Mulligan but he will always be in our hearts.

With much love,

Kristi

7:00pm 12-08-2007

Amy Anderson

I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of Grandpa Phil's emails for awhile a few years back. He was great at forwarding meaningfull and funny stories. The day before he passed away I was cleaning out my filing cabinet and I came across a story that he had sent. It was about a little boy with a bad temper and every time he lost his temper, his father had him drive a nail into his fence. At first there were many nails driven into the fence each day, but as time passed, the little boy learned to control his temper and soon he didn't need the nails at all. Each day he didn't loose his temper he pulled one of the nails out of the fence. Soon there were no more nails, but many holes. He came to his father and together they walked out to the fence, and the father said "you have done well my son but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

Phil ended with the quote:

Good friends are a very rare jewel indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.

I am very grateful to be called a friend of the Mulligan family. Thanks for your example, your smiles and your words of encouragement.

P.S. I used your story on Ethan, my 7 year old who was experimenting with a bad temper...so far, no nails!

Aloha,
Amy

4:57pm 12-07-2007

Ron & Paulette Juryn

How fun seeing all of these pictures! Too many memories to recount but all are so joyful. Phil never entered a room quietly - we all knew when Phil arrived! If you were sad or grouchy about something it wouldn't be for long.

We will miss your contagious laughter and and upbeat attitude. I remember hearing of your Arizona adventure when you all took your golf carts and went on a "wild" ride where you weren't supposed too (shame, shame!). I scratched my head when you told me, excitedly, that you couldn't talk long as you and Pat were going to dinner - for MEATLOAF. Who does THAT???? Oh, and I remember hearing of the water wars with your neighbors in Arizona. Your middle name should have been FUN!

We miss all of your funny e-mails.

We all will miss you dearly.

Please, don't give God a hard time!

6:37pm 12-06-2007

Teri DeLaMontanya

I have so many great memories of my Uncle Phil. I will never forget the first time we came to Maui. We had the warmest greeting at the airport and he was instantly my Uncle Phil. He made me feel so much a part of the Mulligan family and I will forever be grateful. His laughter was contagious. He also had quite an appetite for cookie dough. I remember my mom having to lock up the cookie dough in the trunk of the car to make sure she would be able to actully bake the cookies! Later when I was older he welcomed me along with a group of my friends into their house for a week vacation in Maui. It was an awesome time that we all look back on with great memories. Later, when I graduated from college and took a trip to Hawaii with my mom he surprised us at the airport with a Limo to take us to the Sheraton Hotel where we had a fantastic ocean view and a wonderful time. I will always remember his smile and laugh. He was the best Uncle anyone anyone could ever ask for and I will miss him.

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