BERNARD J. MULLIGAN III of Salem, Founder and President of the Shodokan Martial Arts Center in Beverly, expired on May 2, 2020.

The Son of Bernard J. Junior and Eunice M. Lynch, he was pre-deceased by his sister, Louise, and brother, John.

Mulligan was a graduate of St. Mary's Grammar School and Salem High School. He received his Bachelors Degree in Public Relations from Boston University, along with his commission in the United States Marine Corps, in which he served on active duty for ten years. During that time, he earned a Black Belt in Judo in Okinawa, Japan.

After progressing to fourth-degree Black Belt in Judo, Mulligan saw a demonstration, sponsored by Japan Air Lines, of Japan's top martial artists. The presentation included the newest of the Japanese Martial Arts, Aikido.

Attracted by Aikido's non-competitive, non-violent, "Do No Harm-Restore Harmony" philosophy, Mulligan embraced Aikido as his ideal martial art.

After many years of practice, summer camps, trips to Japan, and seminars, he was awarded a sixth degree (6 ^th Dan) rank and the title, "Shihan," (Master Teacher) with the authority to promote others to fifth-degree (5 ^th Dan) Black Belt rank .

As per Sensei Shihan Mulligan's request, there will not be a funeral service, final testimonials, nor a period of mourning. Following his cremation, his ashes will be cast into the sea, from the Beverly side of the Salem-Beverly Bridge, on the incoming tide.

As a farewell to Sensei Mulligan, he asks that you perform an unexpected Good Deed for an unsuspecting fellow citizen. Shalom.

Arrangements were handled by the Murphy Funeral Home. Fore more information or online guestbook please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.murphyfuneralhome.com .