Robert Allen Mullens Sr's Obituary
MCPO Robert A. “Scotty” Mullens, U.S. Navy (Ret.) reported to the staff of the Supreme Commander on November 11, 2024.
Born St. Patrick’s Day 1928 in Farmingham, Mass., he was taken to Glasgow, Scotland in 1934, attended Battlefield Elementary and Queens Park High School where he was known as “The Yank”.
The British declared war in September 1939, that same month Scotty was issued a gas mask, given two packages of tea biscuits, 2 cans of condensed milk, a luggage label with his name on it was put around his neck and he was evacuated out of the city. He returned shortly, during the “Clydebank-Glasgow Blitz” in March 1941 over 200 Heinkel III’s and Junker 88’s bombed his area severely, Scotty, and some of his 13–14-year-old sea cadet friends acted as messengers and made “tea runs” delivering messages between his casualty station and the ARP. Classrooms in his school were configured for casualties and playgrounds were setup with desks and blackboards for students.
He joined the U.S. Merchant Marines at 17 was assigned to the S.S. Westerley Victory in Southhampton, England, serving in the Atlantic War Zone. It was then he was given the nickname “Scotty”. It stuck with him for the rest of his life. Returning to the states for the first time in over 10 years he enlisted in the Navy. He served on a variety of ships, amphibious, destroyers, a cruiser and two carriers; the U.S.S. Hancock and the U.S.S. Enterprise, both homes posted in Alameda, CA.
His beloved wife Haruko of over 50 years predeceased him July 2009. Their children Robert and Margaret are both graduates of Alameda High School. Robert resides in San Ramon and Margaret is with the U.S. Army.
Retiring upon completing 30 years active duty, in the regular Navy, he accepted the posting as Training Coordinator, Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Alameda, CA. A long time member of the Alameda Athletic Club he enjoyed exercising, spinning a “sea story” or two and the general camaraderie of those he worked out with, even though he knew just about all of them were democrats.
Memorial services will be held at the Chapel of the Chimes Hayward, military honors will be observed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Senior Citizen Center Alameda, a location Haruko enjoyed with her friends.
May you have fair winds and following seas.
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