Ernald F. Mullen Jr.

Ernald F. Mullen Jr. GRANTHAM — Ernald Francis “Ernie” Mullen Jr. passed away at his home on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021. Ernie was born in Skowhegan, Maine, the son of Ernald “Pat” Francis Sr. and Birdena Mullen. He attended Skowhegan High School where he played football, was captain of the ski team, participated in ski jumping and downhill racing, and was on the track team. Ernie also played the clarinet in the high school band, The Polka Dots. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in the Maine woods with his family. He attended the University of Maine for two years and joined the ATO fraternity. Ernie then enlisted in the Air Force for four years in special weapons under Strategic Air Command. In June 1953, he married Marilyn Shaylor. They lived in Boise, Idaho, and Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, until his discharge in 1957. Ernie returned to the University of Maine and graduated in 1961 in Mechanical Engineering. Marilyn and Ernie moved to Franklin, Pennsylvania, where he worked for Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co. for six years, then transferred to Joy Mfg. in Claremont, New Hampshire, as chief engineer. After retirement, he worked part time in real estate and built a home in West Claremont where he enjoyed his “gentlemen farmer” role, driving his tractor and caring for their dogs, cats and horses. In 1997, Marilyn and Ernie bought a home in Eastman in Grantham, New Hampshire. At Eastman, he played golf and built a mini-tugboat, in which he gave rides to Eastman residents. Ernie was predeceased by his brother, Sherwood “Skeet” Mullen. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Mullen; two daughters, Linda Adams and son-in-law Marty Adams, of South Royalton, Vermont, and Lori Mullen, of Unity, New Hampshire; four grandchildren, Tara Hood and great-grandson Tyren Hood-Allen, of Aurora, Colorado, Dallas Hood and Crystal Young and great-granddaughter Olivia Hood, of Barre, Vermont, Shaylor Duranleau, of Murrieta, California, and Chelsey Duranleau, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society, P.O. Box 789, Lebanon, NH 03766. A burial service and a celebration of life will be held in the spring. Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad St., Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com