Longtime Union Laborer Michael Mulkerrin Dies at 82

Mulkerrin, a proud Irishman and Boston sports fan, leaves behind a large family and legacy of community service.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:09am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a family gathered around a kitchen table, their faces and forms blurred into soft pools of warm color and light, conveying a sense of intimacy and nostalgia.The Mulkerrin family's cherished gatherings embodied the warmth and community that defined Michael's life.Boston Today

Michael F. Mulkerrin, an 82-year-old longtime union construction laborer and member of Laborers Local 223 in Boston, passed away on April 8, 2026 at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Mulkerrin, who was born in Ireland and immigrated to the U.S. in 1959, is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary, five children, and 10 grandchildren.

Why it matters

Mulkerrin's life story reflects the experiences of many Irish immigrants who came to Boston in the mid-20th century, building careers in the trades and raising families while maintaining strong ties to their homeland. His decades-long union involvement and community service highlight the important role that organized labor and civic engagement have played in shaping Boston's neighborhoods.

The details

After settling in the Mission Hill and Dorchester neighborhoods, Mulkerrin worked as a construction laborer for over 60 years, serving in leadership roles within Laborers Local 223. He was known for his love of Boston sports, Gaelic football, and Irish heritage, which he passed on to his large family. Mulkerrin was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed away at the hospital.

  • Mulkerrin was born in 1944 in Rusheennamanagh, Carna, County Galway, Ireland.
  • He immigrated to the United States in 1959 at the age of 16.
  • Mulkerrin passed away on April 8, 2026 at the age of 82.
  • Visitation hours will be held on April 16, 2026.
  • Mulkerrin's funeral mass will be celebrated on April 17, 2026.

The players

Michael F. Mulkerrin

An 82-year-old Irish immigrant who worked as a union construction laborer in Boston for over 60 years.

Mary M. (O'Malley) Mulkerrin

Michael Mulkerrin's wife of 60 years.

Laborers Local 223

The union construction workers' local where Mulkerrin was a member and held leadership roles.

Paraic Mulkerrin

Michael Mulkerrin's brother.

Seamus Mulkerrin

Michael Mulkerrin's brother.

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What’s next

Mulkerrin's funeral mass and interment at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury will take place on April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Michael Mulkerrin's life embodied the immigrant experience and the role of unions and community in shaping Boston's neighborhoods. His legacy of hard work, family, and civic engagement will continue to inspire those who knew him.