Michael Patrick Mullen, Sr. 1942-2013
Michael Patrick Mullen, Sr. has passed away on September 17, 2013. On June 7, 1942 he was born, raised and lived in the Chicago area.
Michael started out his career as a CPA in 1965. He then graduated from DePaul University with a Juris Doctor. He was a determined litigator with a "never give up" attitude. He honed these skills as a U.S. Assistant Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois under U.S. Atty Gov. Jim Thompson in his famous "kiddie corps". The kiddie corps were a group of young Attorneys who helped clean up corruption in the City of Chicago in the early 70's. They prosecuted over 2000 public officials some of which was documented in the book Beneath the Badge. He won a highly publicized trial in the defense of the MacArthur Foundation in Florida in the 70's.
He paved the way in the implementation and prosecution of the Indian Arts and Craft Act which was a great benefit to Native Americans. He was always available to give advice to those in need. He practiced law for over 40 years as a litigator.
He was a diehard Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks fan. His fondness for the water was shown in his owning of powerboats over the years. He picked up running, from his former wife Mary, and completed 2 marathons which he experienced the feeling of "hitting the wall". He enjoyed racquetball as well. His love of skiing was demonstrated on the family ski trips to Colorado with his 5 sons, Michael, Daniel, Timothy, Matthew and Edward. His passion for music was confirmed through his love of dancing and hitting the town in one of his multiple colorful Zoot suits with his wife Danuta and his sister Kathleen and her late husband Bob.
He is survived by his wife Danuta, his 5 sons from Mary; Michael, Daniel, Timothy, Matthew and Edward, 2 brothers, William and Daniel, his 3 sisters Kathleen, Maureen and Judi, and his 10 grandchildren, Alexia, Brakell, Michael, Matthew, Abby, James, John, William, Mack, and Guy.
Visitation on Friday from 3-9 pm at Cooney Funeral Home, 3918 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago 60618. Funeral at Cooney's on Sat at 9:15 am followed by a mass at St. Edwards Church, 4350 W. Sunnyside Ave., Chicago.