Michael Edward Mullan

Michael Edward Mullan was born on July 3rd, 1952 in Phoenix, Arizona to Edward Phillips Mullan and Catherine Anne Clark Mullan. He was a loving and devoted husband, affectionate father, tender hearted grandpa/ papa, and supportive eldest brother. He was and always will be remembered as a passionate vintage car enthusiast. Mike peacefully passed into God's loving arms on June 8th, 2024.

Grounded by his mother, four younger siblings and a slew of cousins, Mike grew up in north-central Phoenix riding bikes, running through irrigated yards, and going on scout and family camping adventures. As Mike grew so did his desire to chase life at every opportunity. He was a state doubles champion in tennis at Bourgade Catholic high school, sang and played guitar at St. Francis Church, solo skydived at the age of 18, was a certified scuba diver, and an amateur racecar driver. He was an accomplished photographer, an avid water skier, and a DIY mechanic. Mike was also very proud to be a born and raised fourth generation Phoenician and enjoyed passing on all the family stories he dearly cherished. 

He met his wife, Gay Marie Rimsza, in 1978 while enjoying their mutual passion for country dancing. They married at St. Francis Church on March 18th, 1980 and were married for 44 wonderful years. Because of Gays profession as a travel agent, together they traveled the world visiting dozens of destinations, including South Africa, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, New Zealand and walked thousands of miles together through foreign cities, jungles and frozen tundra. They also attended and hosted numerous vintage car shows and road rallies. In 1982, Mike and Gay had their first child, Jonathan Patrick “JP”. Three years later, they welcomed their second child, Anne Marie into the world. Mike was passionate about passing on life lessons to his children. He repeatedly showed them what unconditional love looked and felt like, and instilled in them humility, respect and honesty, all of which is evident in the people they have become today. He loved spending time with his family rooting on local sports teams, hanging out at a pool barbecue, enjoying a good conversation over a glass of wine, or cheering on his five grandkids at dance recitals and youth sports events and all their activities. He was proud of each of them. 

Cars were in Mike's blood! Starting in his early teens, he became a lot attendant at his grandfather's car dealership, Read Mullan Ford. He was always hanging around the service department soaking in knowledge and quickly making friends. This is where Mike developed his love for people, regardless of their stature. Mike earned what he had, then invested his earnings into his passions. Holding title to hundreds of vehicles over his lifetime, he drove, repaired, modified, showed, raced, and cherished countless motorcycles, vintage and current model cars. His thirst for knowledge and ownership of cars allowed him to become one of the top car experts in the Southwest. He unselfishly shared his vast knowledge with anyone who asked, that is just who Mike was.

Mike's professional sales career started at his father's dealership, Mullan's Southwest Auto Lease. He was repeatedly one of the top producing salesmen at the dealership where he eventually became partners in the family business. He was a very active member of several civic, professional, and nonprofit organizations including The Phoenician's, Men's Art Council, and The Arizona Concourse d'Elegance. Mike eventually left the car business and transitioned into real estate sales by joining his brother Tim and together they established Mullan Brother's Real Estate. Mike's number one priority in real estate has always been taking good care of his clients, most of which quickly became his lifelong friends. His reputation as a professional, honest and knowledgeable businessman will remain a large part of his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his mom, Anne and his dad, Ned.

He is survived by his wife Gay, his children and grandchildren, JP (Brittany) - Eliana, Emerson, & Stella and Anne Marie (Matt) - Remington and Kenzington, his sisters Cathy, Janette, Louise, his brother Tim, and countless nieces and nephews. 

The celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 1pm for family and close friends at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018.  Following the celebration of life, we will be meeting at Aunt Chilada's, 7330 N Dreamy Draw Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85020.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Mike and the Mullan Family!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Mike Mullan can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona

https://tinyurl.com/MikeMullanDonation