Francis J. Mulligan Jr.

Francis (Frank) James Mulligan, Jr., previously of Salem and Danvers, and for the past 28 years, Topsfield with his beloved Charlotte Vallette. Frank found his way home peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Frank was lovingly surrounded by his family and caregivers.

Frank was born in Salem on May 13, 1924, to Frank Sr. and Margaret (Lannon) Mulligan. He graduated from Salem High School, class of 1941 and entered The College of Holy Cross, Worcester. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 28, 1942, and subsequently commissioned a second lieutenant through the USMC V-12 program at Dartmouth University. Frank proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Following the War, he completed his university degree at Holy Cross (class of 1947) and remained in the Marine Corps Reserves. He was activated for the Korean Conflict and retired from the Reserves in 1978 as a lieutenant colonel. Frank was a longtime employee of Ideal Baby Shoe, Danvers.

Frank is predeceased by his parents, his wife, Irene (Murray), his sister Madeline, and brother Robert. He was loved by his fiancé Charlotte Vallette with whom he shared the last thirty years of his life with, her children Robert (Anne), Richard Vallette and Susan (Scott) Saumsiegle. Frank (Mr. Frank) was cherished by his grandchildren with Charlotte, William, Christopher, Sarah, Cody, Dillon, Noah, Shauna, Keanu Vallette, and Jacquelyn, Brooke and Andrew Saumsiegle, and he leaves his sister-in-law Nancy Mulligan along with his nephews Robert and Kevin (Peggy) and their three children Margaret, Johannah and James, and his niece Patricia (David) Lampl and their two children Patrick and Sean. Frank leaves his devoted caregivers, Berna, Carlene, Mary, and several other lovely souls.

Frank has been characterized as the perfect gentleman, and that he was. Frank’s strength and dignity have been extremely admirable. He was devoted to his Catholic faith his entire life. Frank consistently gave to those in need, a mission in his life that held extreme importance. He was a very generous and giving soul. Frank was also an avid reader. Frank and Charlotte had an amazing love for each other, and shared an incredible story they were so blessed to have. Frank thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, time with Charlotte and the family at the lake, family gatherings, academic and USMC reunions, his truck, the Patriot’s & the Red Sox, ice cream, and Hershey bars that he willingly shared. Frank was a humble and kind man and will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thursday February 23 from 5 to 7 pm at MacKey Funeral Home, 128 S. Main St. (Rt.114) Middleton. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 24, 2023, 11:00 am at St Rose of Lima, Topsfield. If attending his mass please meet directly at church. Burial will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Salem, MA.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.