Dan was born on July 8th, 1945 in Joliet, IL. He was the son of Earl Mulhall and Bernice Zeman (Joseph). Dan was predeceased by his father, mother, and step father, his brother Jack, and his sister Terri Dols (John). He is survived by his sister Roberta Byron (Paul), his wife Ruth Ann Mulhall, his sons Brian and Topher Mulhall, his grandsons Gavin and Fletcher Mulhall, and numerous nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Coal City High School in 1963, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country for over 20 years, being commissioned as an officer along the way, and eventually retiring honorably as a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR – O4). While in the Navy, Dan attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN under the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP), graduating with a BS in Mathematics. Dan served aboard multiple ships, including the USS Chicago (CG 11), USS Buchanan (DDG 18), USS Davis (DD 937), USS High Point (PCH 1), and USS Yorktown (CG 48). Throughout his career, he earned multiple commendations for his service, including the Navy Commendation Medal (x 2), Navy Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation (x3), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and numerous campaign and theater ribbons.
After retiring from the Navy, Dan worked the remainder of his career in private defense contractors, solving engineering and logistical problems with Advanced Combat Systems Engineering and Analysis Corporation (ACSEAC), Digital Systems Research (DSR), and SAIC.
In 1967, Dan met Ruth Ann Hanley, and they wed in 1970. They have two sons, Brian and Christopher (“Topher”), and two grandsons, Topher’s sons Gavin and Fletcher.
After retiring in 2012, Dan spent his time perfecting his lawn, spending time with Ruth Ann, and, following the birth of his grandsons, becoming an active and loving grandfather (“OG”).
A memorial service is planned for June 2nd, 2026 at Smith & Williams Funeral Home in Virginia Beach, VA. Following the memorial, his ashes will be interred with full honors at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA.
