Obituary of William Patrick Mullane, Jr.

Mullane, William (Bill) Patrick, went to be with the Lord on October 31, 2023 in Hilton Head Island, SC at the age of 92.  He was born in Rockford, IL on September 23,1931.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William Mullane, Sr. and Irma Mullane.  Bill is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Joan; his sister, Ruth; six children, Terry, Mike, Beezer, Tim (Mary), Patty (Andy) and Mim (John); and 12 grandchildren Ryan, Troy (Victoria), Ali, Morgan (Ceci), Kelsey, Matthew, Maggie, Konor, Max, Jack, Molly and Miles.

He graduated from Marquette University in 1953 and went to work for the Rockford Morning Star.  Bill was a veteran of the army, serving during the Korean War in the White House Communications Department.  He joined Illinois Bell in 1960 and transferred to AT&T in 1963.  He would spend the next 30 years working tirelessly for AT&T until he retired as Vice President of Public Relations in 1992.

He was the voice of AT&T during some of the most critical times in the company’s history.  He was the go-to for the press, company chairman and anyone who was seeking a factual and honest answer. Bill was known for his integrity both inside and outside the company.  If you wanted the truth, he would give it to you.  He knew everyone’s name regardless of their stature.  To him, the custodian was just as integral to the company’s success as the CEO.  Bill enjoyed walking the halls visiting employees in his signature suspenders, bow tie, holding a stogie and delivering a joke.  His humor was one of his trademarks.  Bill made everyone around him happy because of his positive outlook on life.  After retirement, Bill and Joan relocated to Hilton Head, SC. 

Bill was a man of great faith, service and kindness.  For decades he contributed to his local Catholic churches both in NJ and SC serving as an usher, Lecter, Eucharistic minister and volunteer on several committees.  He was a member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus.  Bill’s passion for protecting the unborn led to years of service supporting the Right-to-Life mission.  He served Meals on Wheels, provided rides to anyone who needed a lift to a doctor, hospital or grocery store.  He would spend countless hours visiting those who were sick to offer comfort and a good story. 

Everything Bill did, he did completely.  He loved life and truly lived it to the fullest traveling all over the world with Joan. Their devotion and love for one another was as fresh and beautiful as the day they were married.  They enjoyed dancing and entertaining. Their home was always welcoming and they were always the life of the party. 

Bill was a family man.  He epitomized what it meant to be a father and grandfather.  For nearly 40 years, Bill wrote weekly letters to his children and grandchildren to ensure everyone was tied together even though physically they were far apart.  His children and grandchildren felt his unconditional love daily. His passing leaves a tremendous void, but the life lessons he taught them will ensure his spirit lives on.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Francis By the Sea Catholic Church on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 10:00. a.m. with a repast immediately following in the Church’s Family Center.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to St. Francis By the Sea Catholic Church, the Pregnancy Center and Clinic in Hilton Head Island or the charity of your choice.