Robert Burke Mulhall

Robert Burke Mulhall, 80, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on December 15, 1944. He graduated from the University of Louisville with a Business degree in 1966 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1970. He served aboard the USS Esteem as a supply officer and the USS John King as a Lieutenant Commander in the missile room. Bob retired as Manager of Consumer Services Purchasing from General Electric in 2001 after a 30-year career in leadership and management. He is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of 59 years, Sharon Phelps Mulhall; four children: Shannon Recktenwald, Jennie Mulhall, Tricia Taylor (Bill) and Timothy Mulhall; five grandchildren: Edmund, Josh and Sam Recktenwald and Brendan and Natalie Taylor; his sister Ann Williams (Ray); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert O. and Elizabeth, his son Kevin Burke Mulhall, his sister Mary Hughes Mefford and son-in-law Vince Recktenwald. Bob was beloved by family and friends. He never met a stranger and loved meeting new people and learning new things. He had many interests including history, music, ham radio, reading, camping, fishing, backpacking and hiking. He loved sitting on his back porch with a cup of coffee or red wine, a book, a cigar, and classical music playing. “Sundays are for Mozart.”

After his retirement in 2001, Bob began his self-proclaimed ‘Renaissance Man in Training’ status.

He volunteered at the Falls of the Ohio and Bernheim Forest, took continuing education classes at the University of Louisville with his friends, taught backpacking classes through the Sierra Club and held season tickets to the Louisville Opera.

Bob and Sharon enjoyed many hours fishing together and traveling to see dear friends in Wisconsin. They shared an affinity for lifelong learning through Tai Chi classes and wilderness survival training. Bob treasured spending time with his children as adults and placed great value on their time together. He was a proud Pappaw and loved having adventures with his grandkids. He embodied the lesson of a favorite Family Circus cartoon - “You can give your children time or things; time is better.” The family would like to express gratitude to the kind and loving staff at The Pinnacle of Louisville for taking such good care of Bob in his final years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Pinnacle of Louisville or the Alzheimer’s Association.

EPITAPH

By Wendell Berry

Having lived long in time

he now lives in timelessness

without sorrow, made perfect

by our never finished love,

by our compassion and forgiveness,

and by his happiness in receiving

these gifts we give. Here in time

we are added to one another forever.

“No fool, no fun.” – Bob Mulhall