John Mulrooney

Born and raised in Brooklyn, John came from a large, loving, boisterous family. He grew up in Holy Cross parish in Flatbush, where his extended family included his Irish-immigrant grandparents and scores of cousins. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School, where some afterschool scuffles inspired him to fight in the Golden Gloves.

He began his career in comedy in the 1980s at Pips in Sheepshead Bay and went on to become a veteran of the stand-up comedy world, performing across the country for decades at legendary venues such as the Improv, the Comic Strip and the Laugh Factory. He made his mark in Hollywood by hosting several nationally syndicated television shows, such as Comedy Tonight, the Late Show and Comic Strip Live, and appearing on HBO, Showtime, A&E and Comedy Central.

John also proudly performed multiple times for U.S. service members overseas, participating in USO tours throughout the Middle East during the Global War on Terror. Those performances were among his proudest moments, allowing him to give back to the men and women serving far from home and to bring moments of laughter and relief in challenging environments.

John broadened his audiences by adding radio cohost to his résumé. He spent his post-Hollywood years cohosting popular morning and afternoon shows in Albany, Cleveland and New York City.

Never one to stop learning or pushing himself, John was also a recreational pilot who loved the freedom and focus of flying—another expression of his curiosity, confidence, and joy for living.

Later in life, John chose a second path of service, becoming a police officer from 2010 through 2024. He became a sought-after performer for police and fire department fundraisers across the country, using comedy to support first responders and the communities they protect.

Above all else, John’s greatest pride was his family. He was a loving son to Joan and Bill; a devoted brother to Billy, Michael, Joanann and Mary; brother-in-law to Jeanmarie, Gail, Jerry and Kevin; and a deeply loving uncle to his ten nieces and nephews (Erin, Mary Kate, Michael, Patrick, Gerard, William, Timothy, Julia, Joan and Stephen) and seven great-nieces and great-nephews (Thomas, Kalee, Olivia, Brooke, MacKenzie, Riley and Aiden). Family was the constant thread in his life—his source of strength, humor, and grounding—and he spoke of them often with immense love and pride.

John Mulrooney will be remembered as much for being a loyal friend to countless people as for the laughter he brought to a multitude of strangers. His voice, his stories and his spirit will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched.

Visitation will be held at Casey Funeral Home, located at 350 Slosson Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, on January 4, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

A funeral service will take place at the Church of the Holy Family, New York, NY 10314, on January 5, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John's memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital.