Fishtown Says Goodbye to a Beloved Friend and Neighbor: Moon Mullen, Sept. 6, 1952 – Aug. 27, 2015
On Monday, August 31, Fishtown celebrated the life of Vincent “Moon” Mullen. Moon, a Fishtown resident who had lived on the 600 block of Gaul Street for years, passed on August 27, 2015.
Many recognized Moon as the friendly face selling tee shirts outside of Wilson’s Check Cashing on the corner of Girard and Susquehanna avenues on early weekend mornings. According to the priest who laid Moon to rest, he was a man who reflected his own positivity onto others in the neighborhood, much like how the moon reflects light onto the Earth each and every night.
Moon’s casket is taken from Holy Name and into the horse-drawn carriage./Max Pulcini
Moon, an avid Eagles fan, and I once exchanged a brief conversation when I bought a shirt from him on a brisk Saturday morning a few autumns ago. I had always seen him outside with his table and his wares, so I figured it would be a good idea to see what he had for sale. Moon’s eyes and smile lit up as we discussed his beloved Birds and the beating they were going to give their opponent that weekend while I bought my new shirt. Moon helped me out (and countless others) when I needed to show some extra team support in a pinch.
Moon’s casket is placed into the carriage./Max Pulcini
Moon had been sick with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and leukemia. Before he passed he stated that wanted to go out in style — a celebration through the streets. On the day of Moon’s funeral, many members of the neighborhood came out to see that his wish came true.
So many people came out to see Moon parade through the neighborhood./Max Pulcini
Following Mass at Holy Name of Jesus, Moon’s casket was brought out to a horse-drawn carriage and paraded around Fishtown’s streets. The carriage was led by a New Orleans-style band, New Sound Brass band, who played renditions of classics like Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” The procession looped around Holy Name and stopped in front of Moon’s home for a moment before being taken into Palmer Cemetery.
New Sound Brass Band./Max Pulcini
The carriage makes it’s way along Berk Street./Max Pulcini
The procession takes a short stop in front of Moon’s home before proceeding to Palmer Cemetery./Max Pulcini
Some say that if rain falls on a funeral procession, the deceased will go to heaven. After a few words and prayers were shared beneath a tree in the centuries old burial ground and the ceremony came to it’s end, the sky opened up and the rain fell. It’s good know that Moon is settling in just fine.
The procession enters Palmer Cemetery./Max Pulcini
Pallbearers take the casket from the carriage and place it under a tree in Palmer Cemetery. /Max Pulcini
Moon’s friends and family pay their respects./Max Pulcini
A Catholic Priest says a few words about Moon before ending the ceremony./Max Pulcini
The sounds of a bagpipe send everyone off in peace. Rest in peace, Moon./Max Pulcini
