More detail on this person: 1st Lieutenant William Joseph "Moon" Mullen, was born on March 31, 1938 in Clifton, NJ. Bill passed away surrounded by his loving family at St. Luke's Hospital, Stroudsburg, PA on July 24, 2022. He is survived by his wife Maggie of 13 years, 4 daughters/spouses: Michele and Jim Jackson; Molly and Elvin Stoltzfus; Gretchen and Sean Canavan; and Ashley and David Larson, 1 stepson, David Stahl, Godchild, Maureen Quinn, 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was the son of Leo and Veronica Mullen and a brother to Leo and wife, Theresa, all who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Clifton High School in NJ and graduated from the University of Dayton in 1960 with a degree in Business Administration. Bill started his career in marketing as a buyer for several grocery store chains, including Weis Markets, and eventually owned and operated Alliance Marketing, an auto parts distributorship along the east coast. While in college he joined the ROTC which led him to join the Army. He completed his aviation course in rotary wing in Camp Walters, TX and received his flight training at Ft. Ruckers, AL. While serving in the Army from 1961 to 1964, he flew helicopters but most important was the H-37, a transporter of equipment into and out of the battlegrounds of Vietnam and also eventually carrying out the wounded. Before going to Vietnam he was on standby (1961) to fly what is known as the Bay of Pigs in Cuba to overthrow Fidel Castro right before the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. While in the service, he was the recipient of The Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, several Air Medal awards, and The Purple Heart. After selling his business, he moved to Pocono Pines where his interests started with joining Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA) for 7 years as President and Legacy Committee member, as well as various other positions. This led him to wanting a Memorial at the Arlington Cemetery to honor the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots. He spearheaded this project along with a good friend. With several trips to Washington, DC, a presentation to Congress, and with much perseverance, the monument is now at Arlington National Cemetery. He was also instrumental in getting the Veterans Hospital in Wilkes-Barre to purchase a van to transport local veterans that were unable to get to the hospital on their own. Another local project of his was to resurrect Hungry Hill on Sullivan Trail. It had been abandoned for years and Bill, with his perseverance, was able to work with the County Government to restore Hungry Hill. He came upon a Huey Helicopter that was flown in Vietnam and restored it to be able to trailer it to various festivals, parades, schools and other special events. Antique cars were a fun thing for him and he was especially proud of his '49 purple Mercury that he showed, receiving awards. The last vehicle he owned was a '55 five window Chevy pick-up truck, and both were used for going for the mail and getting ice cream. Bill was known for his tenacity, perseverance, positive outlook and a sense of humor that was non-stop. His interests in life were traveling, meeting new people and antique car shows. He followed all sports, especially the Yankees, who had honored Bill at a home baseball game on national T.V. The Giants were his favorite football team. He gave his time volunteering and chairing various committees for various local charities and organizations throughout the years. His current interests that he was focused on was serving on the Airport Authority Board for the last 10 years at the Municipal Airport in Mount Pocono. He also was an active member of the Pocono Lions Club, he served as past chairman for the Scholarship Committee and currently chaired the New Membership Committee, and other committees as well. He will always be remembered for his constant sense of humor and his positive outlook on life. A closed casket viewing will take place on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 6:00P.M. to 7:30P.M. in the Bolock Funeral Home, 6148 Paradise Valley Road, Cresco Pa 18326 where a time of remembrance will take place at 7:30P.M. A graveside service with military honors will take place at 11:00A.M. on Friday, July 29, 2022 in the Pocono Lake Cemetery, 395 Old Rte 940, Pocono Pines, PA 18350. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Burial information: Pocono Lake Cemetery, Pocono Pines, PA
This information was last updated 07/27/2022
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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