Edward Joseph Mullen, Deferiet-Jacksonville

Edward Mullen peacefully joined his dear wife Norma (Backus) and son David in the arms of angels on February 20, 2024. He is survived by his daughter Julie Mullen Howell (Bryan) and the joy of his life his granddaughter Laura Rose Howell.

Ed lived in Jacksonville, FL with Julie and Bryan and visited home in upstate New York once or twice a year. He also spent time with Laura in Atlanta. When possible, he always enjoyed the company of his niece Linda and her husband Claude Lamantia in Florida. Also when in NY visiting he would see his niece Mary Trombley (Missy) and Michelle Ames (Spencer, Marianna, and Nicholas). In June 2019 many of the Mullens' of Albany and their extended families reunited in Utica which gave the family a chance to reminisce and reacquaint.

He was born in Deferiet to Rose and Joseph Mullen on January 9, 1923. He was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Rita's Catholic Church also in Deferiet. Ed spent his childhood in a typical fashion with his siblings, all predeceased, Eunice (Scee) and Chet.  He attended Deferiet and Herrings Elementary schools and then Carthage High School. In 1942 Ed joined the Army and served several years during WW II in the 432nd Signal Corps. His unit was charged with the task of establishing hard wire communications from Burma to Kunming China. This traverse, with incredibly steep cliffs became known as the Ledo Road. Upon return the day before Christmas in 1945, he went to work for St. Regis Paper Company—never left and worked there for 52 years finishing as a millwright. He married his sweetheart, Norma Backus, in October of 1947. They were married for 62 years and lived and raised their family and entire lives in Deferiet where they had lifelong neighbors and friends.

Ed had a strong allegiance to the New York Yankees and Syracuse University. He was always looking for a game to be televised and would check his IPad every morning for updates.

Memorial Service:  Edward J. Mullen

Deferiet, NY – The memorial service for Edward J. Mullen will be held on Friday, July 19th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage, NY.  Burial with military honors will follow at Black River Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Dad's wishes were to make a donation to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Washington St., Watertown, NY. He had a special fondness for their work and dedication to those in need over the years.