Frank B. Mulzoff, long-time resident of Florida, died peacefully early Thursday morning, November 30th with his loving wife of 18 years, Harriet, by his side. Frank was 89 years old. Mulzoff, born August 5th, 1928, in Astoria, Queens, NY, an only-child raised by his mother
Sophia developed a passion and talent for basketball at an early age on the streets of New York. His drive and skill on the hardcourt garnered a commanding role on squads for Bishop Laughlin Memorial High School. A stand out player at Laughlin, Mulzoff was inducted into the schools Hall of Fame in 2010. With his play at Laughlin, Mulzoff was awarded a scholarship to St. John's University in 1946. A defensive stalwart, Mulzoff played for legendary coach Frank Maguire and played alongside Redmen greats Bob Zouwalik and Al Maguire. After serving honorably in Korea, Mulzoff continued his love of basketball as coach. Over a coaching career spanning 40 years in New York and Florida, Mulzoff guided teams on all levels. Mulzoff led teams at Bethpage and Connetquot High Schools, Long Island Ducks of the Eastern Basketball League - the predecessor to the Continental Basketball Association - and United States Basketball League's Long Island Knights. In 1978, Mulzoff guided the Long Island Men's Open team to the gold medal in the New York Empire State games defeating home-town favorite Syracuse. Mulzoff was an integral member of the boys' basketball coaching staff at Bishop Laughlin and Lakeland High School. Mulzoff helped Lakeland High School win the High School championship in 2016. Mulzoff's crowning achieving came in 1970 as he was named Head Coach at his alma mater, St. John's University. After serving as Assistant Coach for three years, Mulzoff maintained St. John's winning tradition at the helm with winning records under his guidance and capturing key tournament championships in the National Invitational Tournament and ECAC Holiday Festival Tournament. Mulzoff also led the Redmen to an NCCA Men's Basketball Tournament berth in 1973. The school's first appearance since 1969. Mulzoff & rsquo;s basketball legacy continues today. In 1980, Mulzoff began to build the proud and respected athletic program at St. Joseph's College, Long Island Campus, when he created the men's basketball team. This team became the first of many to follow. With several players inducted into the school's Hall of Fame, Mulzoff is the 'Founding Father' of SJC athletics and spearheaded its path to NCCAA III competition and member of the Skyline Conference. During his life, Mulzoff was a loyal friend having befriended many colleagues, players, and school mates. Mulzoff was a proud father and grandfather. Mulzoff is survived by his sons Paul, Pete, Mark, and Chip and grandchildren Janine, Matt, Jenna, Joseph, Josh, Chris, Hunter, and Joy. Mulzoff is predeceased by his first wife Wilma, daughter Patty, and son Matt.
Also during his life Mulzoff impacted Harriet's family. Daughters Shari Giuliano, Michele Cronin, and Jill Garger along with their children Tommy, Matthew, Ally, Caitlin, Lauren, Erika, Samantha, and Jake. Mulzoff. Mulzoff, always a Redmen, touched many lives during his journey and will be sorely missed. Friends may call on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 from 2PM-4PM & 7PM-9PM at the Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Ave., Delray Beach, FL. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, 11 AM at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 840 George Bush Blvd., Delray Beach. Burial with military honors will follow the mass at South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, FL. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Frank's memory to the American Cancer Society. Click Here to Donate Online