Robert Paul Muldoon

Robert Paul Muldoon passed away on May 20, 2020 at Bell Trace Senior Center. He was born on July 19, 1925 in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. He was known for his love of family, service, gardening, and his Catholic faith. In 1943 at age 17 Bob joined the Army. He was transferred to the Army Air Corps shortly afterwards and served 3 years. He served as a radio operator on B-17s and B-29s. After discharge he returned to Philadelphia to complete his education, finishing high school and attending Villanova University where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. During this time he met and fell in love with Maryclaire Comber. They were married in 1952. Over the years he held a number of electrical engineering positions in a range of companies. In 1969 he and his family of 13 packed into their 1967 VW microbus and moved to Bloomington, IN where he was a Chief Engineer for Sarkes Tarzian’s power management division to where he rode his bicycle daily. He and Maryclaire strongly encouraged education in the family, and all eleven children graduated from Indiana University. Both were also active in St. Charles Borromeo Church and many community organizations. Bob was an avid gardener and golfer. He retired in 1997 at 72. Once retired Bob began his second career volunteering for a range of organizations in Bloomington, primarily helping those in need within the Bloomington community. He put his considerable handyman skills to helping seniors in the Area 10 Agency on Aging, washed many a dish and pulled many an overnight shift at the Shalom Community Center, provided building expertise to New Hope for Families and was instrumental in organizing the Hope Builders tools and supplies, and assisted numerous individuals and families through his work with Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent DePaul, Habitat for Humanity and Community Kitchen. In 2018 Bob was recognized for his many contributions when he was presented with the Be More Dedicated Lifetime of Service Award by the City of Bloomington. On receiving the award, he gave a short but beautiful acceptance speech to the audience of volunteers: “I came to Bloomington 50 years ago and I’ve never regretted it. It is because of people like you who reach out to other people that makes Bloomington the community it is. Thank you.” Bob enjoyed visiting his family, particularly seeing his grandchildren. He loved playing games with them and seeing them grow up. He also loved to help his children out with handyman and home improvement projects. He was well read and had an active and inquiring mind. His library contained a wealth of books on history, technology, philosophy, and faith. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Maryclaire and daughters Maryclaire and Theresa and son John Richard. He is survived by his daughters Karen Muldoon-Hules, Margaret Burger, Eileen Armas, Bridget Muldoon and his sons Paul, Tom, Bob, John, Mark as well as 11 grandchildren: Alec, Daniel, Douglas, Ethan, Hannah, Katta, Katie Lynn, Lenny, Patrick, Robby and Ryan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Catholic Church in Bloomington on Tuesday May 26, 2020 with a public viewing at 10:00 a.m and the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m,. Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery where Robert will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Maryclaire. The family requests that attendees wear masks. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to St. Vincent DePaul. If you would care to make a memorial gift in memory of Robert Muldoon please go to St. Vincent DePaul donation site at https://www.svdpbloomington.org/donate The funeral Mass can be watched live by going to the St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church YouTube Channel during the time of the Mass. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com.

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Robert Paul Muldoon

July 19, 1925 - May 20, 2020