William James Mullen, 85, formerly of Needham and Cape Cod, Massachusetts passed away Friday, August 9th in Charlottesville, Virginia.

He was born in Newton, Mass, September 28, 1927 and was the son of the late George L. Mullen and the late Catherine Lyons Mullen.

"Bill" grew up in Newton with his sister Marie Moylan Kerwin (currently of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts).

He attended Newton High School where he met the love of his life. . After serving with the Navy at the end of World War II, he returned to marry his lifelong love Nancy Howell, in 1947, who survives. Together Bill and Nancy raised their family in Needham, Massachusetts. He served on several Needham town committees for many years, was President of the Young Republican Club and campaign manager for the late Senator Leslie Cutler.

Bill began hi career with General Motors in Framingham at the age of 20 and worked his way through the industry until his retirement as Director of Quality Control in l979.

Surviving are three daughters, Judy Nicoll and husband David of Hanover, Mass, Deborah York and husband Michael of Mt. Crawford, VA and Betsy Wakely and husband Charles of Charlottesville, VA Bill loved his seven grandsons, his most loving granddaughter Jennifer, and ten playful great-grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather.

An avid golfer, he was a high school state champion and active member of the Needham Golf Club. Wellesley Country Club and Foxfire Country Club. Nancy and Bill enjoyed many years of golf and travel together with close friends.

In lieu of flower donations may be made to the Alzehemiers Foundation, Autism and Cancer Foundations.

A private family memorial service will take place at a later date.