PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle University community is mourning the passing of former director of athletics, Bob Mullen, who passed away on Sunday at his home. Mullen, 72, was the director of athletics at La Salle from 1986-1997.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia Mullen, and his four children, daughters Sherri and Kelly, along with sons, Scott and Robert.

Mullen was the athletic director when the Explorers moved to the Atlantic 10 in 1995-96 and was the AD during numerous conference championships.

He served as an athletics director at all three divisions of the NCAA, as well as President of the NAIA Directors of Athletics in 1980. Prior to his 12 years at Division I La Salle University from 1986 through 1997, Mullen served as Athletic Director at Division II University of Southern Colorado from 1981 through 1985.  He began his career in athletic administration at Division III Loras College in 1974, where he also served as head men's basketball coach, golf coach and was a classroom instructor.

Mullen earned his graduate degree in educational administration from Loras College, following his bachelor and master's degree work at Northern Illinois University.  He has also graduated from all four levels of the National Association of Collegiate Director of Athletics Management Institute.

Funeral will be at the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford, Thursday, March 29 at 9 AM. Funeral Mass at St Mary's Church in South Dartmouth at 10 AM. Visiting hours Wednesday, March 28 from 4-7 PM.

Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, 1056 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ after a memorial service at the Evoy Funeral Home 3218 Bayshore Road, North Cape May, NJ on Saturday at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01760.