George Mullen

George Mullen, 95, of Barrington Hills, formerly a longtime resident of Elk Grove Village, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 24, 2024. He was surrounded by his four daughters who also served as his steadfast caretaking team, providing compassionate care and companionship over the past year. George will be immensely missed by his family and remembered for his brilliance, wit, and meticulous, hardworking nature.

George was born in Chicago to Edward and Rosalie (Was) Mullen on January 13, 1929. He grew up in the Roseland community until he enlisted and served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army in 1951. He then attended Purdue University and received a degree in electrical engineering. George and his beloved wife of 50 years, the late Joy (Morris) Mullen, met when they were both dance instructors at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Joy was the perfect, spirited complement to George’s unwavering and intellectual approach to life. They fell in love quickly, married in 1959, and raised their four daughters in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. George’s career as an electrical engineer for Abbott Laboratories took him on many exotic adventures to over 100 countries, but he always returned home with a doll for his girls. From humble beginnings delivering ice on the south side of Chicago, to designing and implementing the electrical systems in factories and plants across the globe - George was self-driven and committed to instilling the importance of education for a better future for himself and his family. 

 George was a problem-solver and could fix anything you put in front of him - from classic cars to math equations on his grandkids’ homework. He was everyone’s go-to for advice and wisdom and will be fondly remembered as “Papa” by his 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. George retired to Barrington Hills where he enjoyed hosting family gatherings, observing wildlife from his big windows, and watching Gunsmoke. He found companionship in his second marriage to the late Charlene (Hahn) Mullen who died in 2023. 

George is preceded in death by his parents and wives. He is survived by his brother, Robert Mullen; his daughters, Kim Brooks (Tom Schiro), Kathy (Steven) Johnson, Karyn Mullen (Robin McCarter), Kristy (Anthony) Wright; his grandchildren, Ashley Brooks (Zach Farris), Tara Brooks (Justin Witt), Caitlin (Peter) Howard, Garrett Brooks, Troy Johnson (Karina Cardella), Traci (Samuel) Oliver, Jenna Johnson, Ashley McCarter, Jacob (Dani) McCarter, Austin Wright, Aaron (Alexa) Wright, Alyssa Wright; his great grandchildren, Lukas Johnson, Savanna Witt, John Farris, Drake Witt, Rudy Oliver, Sullivan Oliver, and Addison Wright; his nephew, Mark Mullen; and his nieces, Cindy (Roger) Eastman, Melissa (Brian) Hopf, and Michelle (Tim) Evoy. 

 Burial will be private.