Sam Mullay
We are still in complete shock that my Uncle Sam suddenly and unexpectedly passed away this past Saturday morning at home. They are guessing that it was his heart, however we do not have any answers for Uncle Sam’s sudden passing.
When a loved one suddenly passes on, the people that are so fully engulfed in that person’s love are valiantly being asked to process so many things at the same time. So many questions and for right now, no answers. We are being asked another question:
When someone gives everything, they have to give of themselves in love and intention, then they have given you the best gift anyone can give. If that question was being asked of my Uncle, then that answer is “yes.”And an astounding “yes.” It is the answer to the only question we should be asking right now.
HE WAS QUIETLY SUPPORTIVE
Anyone that knows me will without a doubt know my Aunt Nadine and Uncle Sam. Aunt Nadine took care of her Father and my Mother from beginning to end in their battles with cancer. When I was only 12 years old, she took over to help my Dad do everything she could to help raise a little girl in need. She then took wonderful care of her elderly Mother for many years. For her to do all this, my Uncle Sam took over tasks around the house that he had never signed up for. He was my Aunt’s supportive shoulder to lean on and carry her through all these difficult years and the quiet bearer of our family cross. Even currently, My Aunt helps everyone in any way she is able. Without his support at home, I do not know what would have happened to our family. Uncle Sam has taught us all a lesson in humility, love, and character.
HE WAS AN EXCELLENT CARETAKER
In addition to being a strong support system in my home, his priority was always where his heart was most deeply rooted. Uncle Sam was no ordinary caretaker. There is something to be said about form over function. Uncle Sam was the real deal. Never have I seen a man take such impeccable care of his wife in such a caring, nurturing, and loving manner If we all knew the love that the two of them shared, the world would be a better place.
HE NEVER COMPLAINED
In the 42 years of my life with Uncle Sam, I’ve never once heard him complain about a single thing, yell, or say anything negative. His positivity was unsurpassed. He was regimented and liked everything just perfect, but he was also easy going and would do absolutely anything you asked him to do without a hitch. It wasn’t always an emergency either, he was a babysitter, a taxi driver to hair appointments when needed, and he did it all with grace, charm, patience, and love.
THEY WERE ALWAYS A TEAM
Aunt Nadine and Uncle Sam did absolutely everything together. He and my Aunt Nadine loved to travel all over the world together and go on adventures, but they also enjoyed doing the everyday together. Gym time, appointments, you name it. Together they were better. The best team I know. Uncle Sam’s spirit is always with us and especially with my Aunt.
HE WAS QUIET AND ALWAYS THERE FOR EVERY EVENT
Uncle Sam was a quiet man, but he was always there at every special event, every family get together and anytime you needed him. You could find him throwing a baseball with his great-nephew when no one else wanted to play. You know that point as a parent when you want to wrap things up? Not Uncle Sam. He would still be throwing balls long after he was tired. He would attend his great-niece’s3-hour dance recitals and never complain or find an excuse to excuse himself. His present to us was his true presence. How many of us are truly present all the time? It’s just another wonderful piece of him.
HE WAS INTELLIGENT
Uncle Sam graduated top of his class at Rider College. The Army and the Air Force were fighting over who would get this brilliant man. His mother wrote letters to everyone, even the President to allow him to get into the Air Force instead of the Army, as he desired to serve in the Air Force to put his best his skill set to use. He climbed the ranks quickly and became an Air Force Captain during his 4 years of service.
HE WAS A VETERAN
As I was looking for his discharge papers from the Air Force, I stumbled across reports from his superiors. The notes sounded just like the Uncle Sam that I knew.
“He approached each task in an earnest and logical manner”
“He reacted quickly, skillfully, and calmly under pressure and unusual circumstances”
“He progressed from a newly commissioned officer to an Operations Ready Intercept Director in only 4 months, whereas it took others 6-8 months”
“Lt. Mule’s keen mind and mature judgement enabled him to excel where many faltered”
“He was thorough and competent in performing the work required of him. His ability generated respect from his fellow trainees and praise from his instructors”
“His judgements and conclusions are sound, and his knowledge of air defense operations is surprising in an officer of his age and experience”
MUSIC WAS HIS LIFE
Like many of his time, the music of his generation was life. Music was undoubtedly his life. Throughout his entire lifetime his greatest joy was listening to the music of his youth, especially 1950’s Doo Wop. He loved oldies, Doo Wop, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and even classical music. He also enjoyed todays classic rock of ages music. His friendships and relationships were derived from his love of music. His brothers can attest to the strong capacity in which music molded my Uncle. He would ask his brother, Joe, to send him records even when he was stationed in the Air Force in the Philippines. His mother once told my Aunt that he would get a small allowance as a child and that he would use it to purchase a record so that he could rock in his rocking chair on the front porch. There was not a day that went by that music missed his ears. As an adult, if you gave him a glass of wine he would even dance and sing for you.
HE WAS A SPORTS FAN
He was also an avid sports fan, especially the Philadelphia Flyers. He and my Aunt would always watch the Phillies together.
IN CLOSING
Always reserved, but bold in his dedication to his family, Sam will be deeply missed and always in our hearts. When you are short on words, be bold in your intentions. Uncle Sam allowed love to speak through his actions, compassion to speak with his intentions. He was what we can all only aspire to be.
In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for someone, listen to a golden oldie’s song in his memory, be present with others, and offer help to those that need it with honest intentions.
OBITUARY INFORMATION
Sam Mullay, of Edgely, PA passed away suddenly on January 9, 2021. He was 77. Born in Trenton, NJ, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Theresa Mulé.
Sam is survived by his best friend and devoted wife of 36 years, Nadine (Koptcho) Mullay. Sam is also survived by his brothers Joe Mullay (Pat), Tom Mulé (Sandy), sister Rose Pezzola (late Tim), brother-in-law Marty Lutz (late Evelyn), sister-in-law Leslie Koptcho (Rod), two nieces Stacy Moorhead (Steve), Marcy Mickus (Steve), a nephew Carl Carey, great nephew and niece Brayden and Olivia Mickus and many cousins.
He graduated from Delhaas High School in 1961 and Rider College in 1966. After graduation, Sam served as a Captain in the United Sates Air Force. Sam worked as a forensic chemist for 25 years at the New Jersey State Police lab in West Trenton, before he chose an early retirement to enjoy his life.
The funeral and interment will be private. Mr. Mullay's services will be live-streamed on Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 10:50am to 12Noon at www.wadefh.com/live-streaming or by following the link below. Arrangements are under the direction of Wade Funeral Home, Bristol Borough.