Joseph “Jay” Mullan

Date of Passing:

November 15, 2022

Mullan, Joseph “Jay”, 72, of Samoset Avenue, Barrington, died peacefully on November 15, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Gail L. (Carter) Mullan.

Born in Worcester, MA, a son of the late Joseph J. and Anne Marie (Bolack) Mullan, he lived in Barrington for 38 years.

Jay was an Emmy Award winning television director with over 55 years of experience. In 1979 after a successful career in local television and freelancing for major networks, he became one of the first directors to join the staff at ESPN. While at ESPN he directed hundreds of programs covering dozens of sports. Among the major sports directed for ESPN are NBA Basketball, Boxing, PGA Golf, Auto Racing, CFA Football, X-Games, NHL Hockey and Tennis. He also directed Ice Skating for ABC and live event coverage of three Olympic Games.

Mr. Mullan was a member of the Director’s Guild. He enjoyed boating and fishing.

Besides his wife of forty seven years, he is survived by two sons, Matthew J. Mullan of Newport and Key West, FL and Andrew C. Mullan of Barrington; two sisters, Joanne Clarke of Westbrook, CT and Maureen Thompson of Old Lyme, CT; two brothers, Mark Mullan of Springfield, MA and Michael Mullan of Old Saybrook, CT and several nieces and nephews.

His Funeral service will be held on Monday November 21, 2022 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Forest Chapel Cemetery, Nayatt Road, Barrington.

Calling hours are Monday morning from 10-11 a.m. Flowers respectfully omitted. Contributions in Joseph’s memory to CURE Epilepsy, P.O Box 10572, Chicago, IL 60610 would be deeply appreciated.

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18 Comments

  1. The four of us had such wonderful memories…and now there are two and we still have such wonderful memories, Gail. Jay had such a wry sense of humor. Remember when we bought the ‘boat’ and launched it in the Warren River? We looked forward to our Christmas visit with you and sat for hours just laughing and reminiscing. Jay is missed. Love you, Jay.
    Sincere condolences Gail, Matthew and Andrew.

  2. I’ll miss you Jay..remembering our times together at WJAR. Rest in peace.

  3. I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Jay on ESPN tennis for many years….he was such a delight to work with and such a wonderful man – the epitome of a gentleman. My thoughts are with all his family and he will no doubt we very sorely missed. Much love and hugs to all.

  4. Jay was a great person, one of the special people who makes everyone he works with feel valuable and respected.
    He was a mentor to me, and a good friend. We first met a long time ago,, I think 1982….Whenever our paths crossed over the years it was like we had just seen each other a week ago. My heartfelt condolences go to the Mullan family. Jay was a great person, and I, along with many others, will never forget him.

  5. One of the first shows I ever did with ESPN was with Jay at a mile track outside of Syracuse doing racing later on worked with him a great number of times over the years always enjoyed him great sense of humor very warm always look forward to seeing him

  6. Jay was one of the greatest people on the planet. So many fun memories. Mike, heartfelt condolences to you and Jay’s family.

    Donna and Ron Semiao

  7. Simply The Best

  8. Jay was a tremendous director and an even better person. He cared deeply for his friends and colleagues. I will remember him most for his determination when shows got tough, and for his ability to make us all laugh when the show was done.

    My heartfelt thoughts to Gail, Matthew and Andrew.

    Godspeed, Jay.

  9. Jay was more than a colleague – he was a friend as well. His kindness and care for others really stood out in the time I worked with him in tennis at ESPN. He will be missed by so many but never forgotten.

  10. Jay was an integral part in our embryonic journey into sports television- he was kind and had a great laugh which was addictive to all.
    As a live director ( when others lost their cool ) Jay created a comfortable environment for those around him. We had a great friendship in the day and regret that the years ticked by so quickly- will miss you brother – Gail and family …my heartfelt condolences .

  11. Jay was a funny man. We did lots of tennis and Figure Skating. My condolences to the family.

  12. Jay was always a gentleman .. worked with him on hockey and boxing in the early years with ESPN..Crazy, fun times.. He will be missed. Rest in peace.

  13. I had the pleasure of working with Jay on Tennis with ESPN. One of the nicest people I’ve known. He was always down for a quick chat and a laugh. It was always a pleasure bumping into him around the compound. My prayers and sincerest condolences go out to the Mullan family. Rest in Peace Jay.

    – Freddie

  14. I had the pleasure of working with Jay on the early years of X Games. A wonderful and dedicated teammate who made us all laugh with his infectious sense of humor. I will miss him. Great memories.

  15. I was blessed enough to work with Jay on Tennis and College Hoops with ESPN for roughly 10 years. I always found him kind hearted and in good spirits whenever we were doing events. He always was in a happy mood except when he to direct the world feed at the French Open. I can still remember the funny moments with him Bobby Feller, Bill Amin, Kevin Skinner and Felix in audio. Those were some great days and great times. Really going to miss you Jay, rest in peace.

  16. Very sorry, May He Rest In Peace

  17. Gail, Matthew and Andrew, my heartfelt sympathies. I loved Jay like a brother. He was my closest friend at ESPN for 28 years. I will miss him so much.
    Larry Kristiansen

  18. I was fortunate to work with Jay back in the day on ESPN hockey and he was such an easy, likable, talented human to do games with. Excellent at his craft. Fun to cooperate with. And as Levy said, along with Bruce an incredible “truck”.
    The best of memories
    – Razor

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