Robert Lee Mullen
Feb. 12, 1926-Nov. 24, 2025
Menlo Park, California
Loyal friend, devoted community member, and winemaker Bob Mullen passed away peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on November 24, 2025, at the age of 99. His partner, Marsha Campbell, was at home with him.
Robert Lee Mullen was born in Youngstown, Ohio on February 12, 1926, at 5:55 p.m. His family moved often before eventually settling in Peoria, Illinois, where he attended high school.
In 1943, Bob enrolled in the U.S. Navy as part of the college training program, spending time at Purdue University and Miami University (Ohio) before serving at sea during World War II. After the war, he completed his degree at Illinois Tech in Chicago, then began his professional career with Armstrong World Industries, working in the Building Products Division as a sales representative.
Called back to service with the Naval Reserves during the Korean War, Bob was aboard the USS Walke on June 12, 1951 when the ship was torpedoed resulting in the loss of 26 crew members. Bob’s heroic actions during the aftermath earned him an Award of Merit, and he remained deeply connected to his shipmates, attending reunions for decades.
After returning from Korea, Bob was appointed to run Armstrong’s California District office in 1954, becoming the company’s youngest district manager. He was known as an innovator—opening Armstrong’s first distributor, hosting the inaugural “105 Meeting” in Carmel, and earning more #1 District Office sales awards than any of the company’s nine regions. His responsibilities later expanded when he was promoted to Regional Manager of the nine-state Western Region for Armstrong’s Residential Ceilings Division.
During this time Bob and his wife Polly settled in Woodside, California. After helping their friends, the Groetzingers, make wine at their home with historic La Questa grapes, Bob became convinced he wanted to make wine himself. This new passion led Bob and Polly to Kings Mountain Road, where they purchased property that included grapes. It was here they established Woodside Vineyards.
Woodside Vineyards was officially bonded in 1963, and sold its first wine to Roberts Market in 1968. For many years the winery was Bob’s weekend job, producing 400–600 cases annually, while he continued his career at Armstrong until retiring in 1990. After retirement, Woodside Vineyards expanded production to approximately 1,800 cases per year and continued to produce award winning wines under the Woodside Vineyards and La Questa labels until the winery was sold this year to Silver Mountain Winery.
Bob and Marsha moved to Menlo Park in 2008, where Bob once again embraced a new community with his characteristic warmth. He was known for enjoying happy hours at the pool and his “Pool Group” remained an important part of his Life.
Bob had a profound appreciation for the history and community of San Mateo County. His decades of involvement included being one of the founders of the Woodside History Committee. He was also an active participant and supporter of the San Mateo County History Museum. Equally enduring was his 60-year relationship with Woodside Village Church. As chair of the Sanctuary Building Committee, he offered both leadership and guidance, along with generous financial support. Throughout his life, he remained a steady and devoted presence within the church community.
Bob will be missed beyond measure. He lived a remarkably full life, defined by an incredible range of accomplishments and a genuine love for the communities he helped build and nurture. He never missed an opportunity to form a new connection, and his gift for welcoming others was extraordinary. The wine community, including the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association, the Wine Institute, his Armstrong colleagues and the many family members and friends whose lives he touched, will carry his influence and memory forward for years to come.
He was known as “Uncle Bob” and dearly loved by many nieces and nephews including Anne Casey, Rob Rodgers, Dennis Rodgers, Lorrie Boldrick, Lee Ellen Jewett, and Tom Bridson. His family included Rob, Julie and Anne Buelteman and Jane Ganahl.
A celebration of Bob’s life will take place on February 14, 2026 at Woodside Village Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Mateo County Historical Association.
Tags: veteran
