Obituary of Joseph F. McMullen

Joseph Francis McMullen, 86, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife, Ellen and his family on October 5, 2020. Joe was born in Dunmore, PA to Joseph and Catherine (Moyles) McMullen.  He graduated from the University of Scranton. He taught math for 37 years at Fayetteville Manlius High School, where he was also the department head and taught drivers ed at MPH.  In retirement he joined the math department at OCC.  He was very active in youth sports and served as treasurer of Valley Babe Ruth.  A devout Catholic, he was a member of the Holy Name and St. Vincent DePaul societies at Most Holy Rosary Church.  Joe loved watching his children and grandchildren’s athletics and was an avid Yankees, Notre Dame and SU sports fan.

He is predeceased by his siblings, Robert McMullen, Beverly Lewicki, Edmund Prendergast, and Kathleen Katzara.  Joe is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ellen; children, Mary Kay (Bob) Hendrickson, Joseph Jr. (Susan) McMullen, Thomas McMullen, Michael (Missy) McMullen, Jeanne Lavin, Anne (Rob) Ambrosetti, Susan McMullen, Patrick (Gretchen) McMullen, and Martha McMullen; 14 grandchildren, Dan, Beth, Joe and Brian McMullen, Shannon McMullen, Sarah, Mike, Matt, and Erin McMullen, Meghan Lavin, Tim and Kevin Ambrosetti, Ryan and Ashley McMullen;  two great grandchildren, Connor and Madison McMullen; sister, Maryellen Epplin; sister-in-law, Elaine Paulson and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their thanks to all the dedicated, kind and compassionate caregivers who assisted Joe over the last year.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 12pm at Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Ave. Syracuse.  Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 from 4 to 7pm at Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Ave. Syracuse, NY 13207 and/or Hospice of CNY, 990 7th N St, Liverpool, NY 13088