Obituary: Michael C. Mula, 50

Mr. Michael C. Mula, of Westwood, formerly of Waltham, died at his home surrounded by family on Monday, April 7, 2014 following a 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 50.

Mike was born in Boston on Feb. 19, 1964, the youngest of five children born to Rosario A. 'Rusty' and Dorothy A. (Akey) Mula of Waltham. He was raised in Waltham and graduated from Waltham High School where he was a football standout. After that, he quarterbacked the football team at Phillips Academy in Andover. In 1988, he graduated from Boston College.

Right after college, he began a 25-year career as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, first at their Boston office and later in Wellesley where he was a vice-president.

Mike was a sportsman all his life and could often be found on the links at Woodland Golf Club in Newton where he was a longtime member. He was also a coach for his children's basketball and football teams in Westwood.

His greatest affection and times well spent were reserved for his family either at home or on the memorable vacations they enjoyed together at the Cape or in Florida. With his extended family he was known as 'the organizer,' the one to rent the cottage, make the phone calls and organize the activities that would create a lifetime of memories.

In 1992, Mike married the love of his life, Carolyn M. Fox of Weymouth, and the couple made their home in Westwood where they have been residents since.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mike leaves his children, Sean M., Jackson K. and Jordan O. Mula, all at home; his brothers and sister, Vincent A., John S., Andrew G. and Mary Jo Mula, all of Waltham; his in-laws, Frederick and Mary Fox of Hanover and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Michael's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main St. (Route 20), Waltham, on Thursday, April 10, from 4-8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main St., Waltham, where his funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in Grove Hill Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to the Warshaw Institute for Pancreatic Cancer Research, c/o Massachusetts General Hospital, BUL370C, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114.