Gerald Allen Mulrooney, after an extensive stroke, passed away on December 22, 2010. Besides six grandchildren and numerous friends, he leaves behind his wife, Nancy, and children, Judy Makem, Patricia Burg and Michael Mulrooney. Cousins Joyce Stewart and Keith Mulrooney mourn the passing of their contemporary in the Mulrooney family. In the 1950s his father and mother opened a Western Auto Supply and Hardware store in Paramount, which, on Jerry's initiative, blossomed into a bicycle shop in the 1960s. Eventually, through his business acumen, hard work and leadership, Mulrooney Bike Shop prospered, expanding to stores in Bellflower, Fullerton, Los Alamitos, South Coast and Newport Beach, making Jerry the top Schwinn franchise dealer in the nation in sales. Mayor three times, Jerry served his community from 1980-1996 on the City Council. With a few associates on the council and with an ace city manager and strong staff, Jerry helped turn Paramount into an All-American city. Jerry was also a member of Rotary Club and Lion's Club contributing to many charitable efforts.
Beyond everything else Jerry was a family man. He was devoted to his wife, Nancy, with whom he celebrated more than 55 years of marriage. She was his close partner in all things, with a strength, a will and a competitive drive to match his own. He also dearly loved his three children. He was generous to his direct family, to his in-laws, and to his many friends. At the memorial for his father, Ed, Jerry talked of almost nothing but Ed's family devotion and service. Jerry very much upheld that value. And through the last 30 or more years of life, and even into his last year, Jerry devoted himself to protecting his family and providing for their future. He is already sorely missed. Memorial gathering will be at Progress Park Plaza West on Downey Avenue in Paramount, January 22, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Published in the Long Beach Press-Telegram on Jan. 19, 2011
|
