10/30/1950 -4/25/2018
The smoking lamp has gone out.
Rob passed away from cardiac arrest while on walk with friends in Eureka, Ca. Rob was born in Orange, MA and moved to Santa Cruz in 1980 to get out of the snow.
He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Sally Mullen, son Ian Mullen of Portland, OR, daughter Zenna Weis, son in law Sky, and his prized granddaughter, Eyva Weis of Santa Cruz, CA.
Rob loved music of all kinds, he spoke his mind, he was stubborn, and he was a great husband, friend, PopPop, dad, and personality.
Rob also leaves behind brother Dave Mullen (June) of Lake Forest, CA, brother Jim Mullen (Jeri) of Cape Coral, FL and extended friends and family throughout California, Massachusetts and beyond.
Rob worked for the parks dept of Santa Cruz for many years until he was able to work full time in his dream job as music librarian at KUSP. He was Mr. Earl over the airwaves where he entered many people’s homes via his numerous radio shows.
He was a long time employee at non-commercial community licensee KUSP (Santa Cruz). At various times, he was Program Director, Music Director and host of the station’s broadcast of NPR’s “All Things Considered.” He was also a volunteer music programmer at KUSP and later at university licensee KZSC (Santa Cruz). It was at the former that he became hailed as the host of the 50s/60s “oldies” program, “Land of 1000 Dances.” He took his nickname, “Mr. Earl” from the Cadillacs’ 1959 hit, “Speedo.” Later at KUSP he hosted another disc show called “Beans & Cornbread“(musical mix). At KZSC he hosted a musical mix called “Main Stem.”
A celebration of life is scheduled for August 12th at Delaveaga Park in Santa Cruz, CA at the Twisted Tree Picnic area from 12-4. Please bring your memories and laughter.