Thomas P. Mulkern

PEAKS ISLAND - Thomas Patrick Mulkern, 65, passed away unexpectedly on June 11, 2013 surrounded by many loving family members. He was born on October 17, 1947 in Portland, the son of Thomas and Mary (Hannan) Mulkern. Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1972 as a Sergeant with the 1st Cavalry Division Company C and served in Vietnam. After his discharge, he was employed at General Electric in South Portland as a Nuclear Certified Welder. He later worked for his family's business, Lionel Plante Associates, Peaks Island, as a welder and deckhand until retirement in 2005. Tom's trademark long hair and beard combined with his small stature, honesty and large personality made him memorable to all who met him. He was loved by an entire community. Great music and dancing was a passion of Tom's. Tom had many nieces and nephews, but he was known to all kids on the island as "Uncle Tom" because of his genuine interest in listening to and interacting with them. In his later years, he enjoyed watching Judge Judy in the afternoon with longtime friend, Charlie Murphy. He was a man who lived life on his own terms, and knew exactly who he was, making no apologies for it. His life was full of love and laughter, family and friends, and his giant heart and gentle soul will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Tom is predeceased by his parents, and a nephew, Lionel Plante, Jr. He is survived by five brothers and five sisters, Mike Mulkern of Portland, Royal and Erica Mulkern of Scituate MA, Martin and Rolina Mulkern of Saco, Terrance and Diane Mulkern and Coleman and Julie Mulkern of Peaks Island, Eileen and Gary Austin of Portland, Mary Mulkern of Portland, Barbara Pride of New Gloucester, Catherine Plante and Bridget and Barry Kinner of Peaks Island; his children, Tom McKeen, Cathy Buiniskas, Vicki Jipson and Beth-Ann Etheridge; grandchildren; many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews; good friends, Butch and Carol Lawrence; and a very special friend, Roxanne Bailey. An informal celebration of life will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Alderbrook Cemetery on Peaks Island. Arrangements by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, Maine.Online condolences may be expressed below.