Reverend Kevin P. Mulhern

Reverend Kevin P. Mulhern of Dunmore died on the 24th day of July, 2026, at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, after having faithfully served the Diocese of Scranton for fifty years.

Reverend Kevin P. Mulhern, son of the late John Charles Mulhern and Elizabeth Collins Mulhern, was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on May 30, 1946.  He was a graduate of St. Mary High School, Wilkes-Barre, and attended King's College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology in 1969. Father continued his education at Seton Hall University, New Jersey, earning a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1972.  Father received his seminary education at St. John Seminary, Brighton, MA, and Boston Theological Institute and was ordained to the priesthood in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, on May 1, 1976, by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick, late Bishop of Scranton.

 Father Mulhern received a summer assignment as assistant pastor at St. Thomas More, Lake Ariel in May 1976, and in September of that year, was appointed assistant pastor at St. Ignatius, Kingston.  Father served as Hospital Chaplain, Head of Pastoral Department, Mercy Hospital, Scranton from 1978 – 1982.   In September 1982, he was appointed assistant pastor at Holy Rosary, Scranton, and in September 1986 Father was appointed assistant pastor at Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Peace, Hawley.

Father received his first pastorate in September 1988 at St. Peter and Paul, Towanda.   In June 1992, he was appointed pastor at St. John the Evangelist, Honesdale, and served this parish community for nine years until his appointment as pastor at St. Rose of Lima, Carbondale in July 2001.  In July 2003, Father was appointed pastor at Gate of Heaven, Dallas, and in June 2006, while remaining pastor at Gate of Heaven, he was appointed administrator at Our Lady of Victory, Harvey’s Lake.   In July 2009, Father Mulhern was appointed pastor at Our Lady of the Abingtons, Dalton.  In July 2010, he was appointed senior priest at Our Lady of the Snows, Clarks Summit.  Father was next appointed pastor at St. Robert Bellarmine, Wilkes-Barre, and Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Buttonwood in July 2011. Father took an early retirement for reasons of health in November 2017, but accepted appointment as sacramental minister at St. Rita, Gouldsboro, and served for three years until March 2020.

Father Mulhern also served the Diocese as Spiritual Moderator of Catholic Cemeteries and Dean of the Wayne Deanery. He was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Pittston Council #372.

Father’s favorite ministry was as personal chaplain to his large, loving family. He was there for many baptisms and weddings, confirmations and funerals.

He loved traveling, and a trip to Ireland afforded him the opportunity to say Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock. Especially important to him also was a private audience with Pope St. John Paul II.

After his mother died in 2008, Father Kevin’s second home was with his twin sister Kathy and her husband Erwin. Father enjoyed visiting New York City, with friends or family, for its plays and restaurants. For the last several years he has enjoyed the comradery of his fellow retired priests at the Villa of St. Joseph, Dunmore.

Father Mulhern is survived by sisters Beth Ann Draminski (Edward), Columbia, MD; Mary Alice Gallagher, Dallas, TX; Jeanne Mulcahy, Forty-Fort, PA; and twin Kathleen Storz (Erwin), Rockaway, NJ; brothers John Mulhern (Patricia), Palatine, IL; Charles Mulhern, Myrtle Beach, SC; sister-in-law Kathie Mulhern, Novato, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Father was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Mulhern, and brothers-in-law Thomas Gallagher and Jerry Mulcahy.

Viewing will take place on Wednesday, July 29th 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and on Thursday from 9-9:45 am at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, 322 Chestnut St., Dunmore.  A Vesper Service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening.

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, on Thursday, July 30th, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, 322 Chestnut St., Dunmore.  

Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Father’s memory to King’s College, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711, or Catholic Social Services, 504 Penn Ave., Scranton 18509.

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