McMullen, naval architect and former US Lines chairman, dies at 87
John J. McMullen, a legendary figure in the U.S. maritime industry, died Sept. 16 at his home in Montclair, N.J. He was 87.
McMullen founded John J. McMullen Associates, a firm of naval architects and marine engineers, in 1959. He held a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and a master of science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
From 1968 until 1971, McMullen was president and chief executive officer of United States Lines. In 1972, he acquired Norton Lilly International, a shipping agency that he operated until 2002. For two years, beginning in 1974, McMullen served the Bank of England as head of Burmah Oil Tankers. Other endeavors included MPR Associates Inc., a nuclear consulting firm in Washington, D.C.
He also was a former owner of two well-known sports teams in hockey and baseball: respectively, the New Jersey Devils and the Houston Astros.
McMullen's body remained at his home, 53 Undercliff Road in Montclair, for a wake today, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church, North Fullerton and Munn Streets, in Montclair.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; sons Peter and John, Jr.; daughter, Catherine; daughter-in-law, Cheryl; and five grandchildren.
Donations in McMullen's memory may be sent to Montclair High School's alumni association or to the Montclair Art Museum, according to a spokesman for the New Jersey Devils.