Lasting Memories

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 Belmont, California. After helping a good friend make wine in 1960, Bob was convinced he wanted to try it on his own and a vacant lot with grape vines nearby gave him the opportunity to make some in his carport. This new passion led Bob and Polly to Kings Mountain Road in Woodside, where they purchased a home and 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 Cuesta 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 hosting 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 with local historical organizations reflected his commitment to preserving and celebrating the region’s past. 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 and is survived by his niece Anne Casey and nephews Dennis Rodgers and Rob Rodgers. 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. His Armstrong colleagues (the “SOBs — Sons of Bob”), the wine community, the people of Woodside and Menlo Park, and the many family members and friends whose lives he touched, will carry his influence and memory forward for years to come.

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.”