Third Mulvaney Family Member Passes Away After Tragic Car Crash
On August 25, we reported that three members of the Mulvaney family — Ledell, 61, Donald, 63, and their daughter Katherine (Kat), 31 — were in a car crash while returning from a United Church of Christ event at the Silver Lake Camp and Conference Center in Connecticut.
Ledell and Kat lost their lives in the incident, but Donald — known as Don to his close friends and colleagues — survived the initial crash and was hospitalized at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY. After remaining in critical care and undergoing multiple medical procedures since the crash, Don succumbed to his injuries and passed away on Tuesday, September 15.
Don studied at Berklee College of Music and was known for his jazz drumming, vocals, and compositions. Family friend Anthony Wellman told us that he “went on to play and record with such luminaries as Tony Bennett, Itzhak Perlman, Maureen McGovern, Jaco Pastorious, Bill Frisell, jazz singer Mark Murphy, Melissa Manchester, and countless others.” In addition, Don was “a sought-after musician on Broadway, performing in the original production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood and appeared briefly with Barbra Streisand in the movie The Mirror Has Two Faces.”
The Mulvaneys’ other child, filmmaker Devan Mulvaney, was by his father’s side during the time Don spent in the hospital. He and and his partner, Lucy Westphal, are coping with the loss of three immediate family members while in the company of Devan’s godparents, Anne and Tim Hughes.
Tim is currently executive director of the Silver Lake Conference Center, where Ledell, Don, and Kat were returning to Park Slope from after their final production of God Show. The Mulvaneys volunteered there annually.
Anthony Wellman wrote that, “For most of their married life, Don and Ledell made their home in Brooklyn, NY, Greenwich, CT, then Norwalk, CT and mov[ed] back to Brooklyn in 2008 where they could be closer to the city’s artistic and music scenes.”
The Mulvaney community has strong ties in both their former Connecticut home as well as Park Slope. The Norwalk community held a vigil for the family.
“There has been a tremendous outpouring of support,” said Devan. “It has been both mind-blowing and lovely.”
Ledell, Don, and Kat were all considered gifted musicians, artists, singers, and mentors. Don and Ledell became leaders at the Park Slope United Methodist Church where they started the choir. Ledell was the gospel choir director until her death.
“Ledell was vivacious and enthusiastic … Don was gentle and jazzy. Both were hugely talented,” Pam McAllister, music director at Park Slope United Methodist Church, told us. “They expressed their progressive Christian faith through political activism and music. People in communities throughout Brooklyn and Connecticut are reeling with this loss, but the good energy and love radiated by this family of musicians will continue to be felt for a long, long time.”
In addition to their artistry, the family members were activists. They joined the People’s March for Climate Change, took part in Occupy Wallstreet, marched at New York’s Gay Pride Parade, and were actively involved in the Black Lives Matter movement.
“My parents were always trying to help people and putting themselves on the line,” said Devan.
Devan and his sister Kat were extremely close. “Kat was always pushing people to express themselves, and letting them know that it was okay to be vulnerable,” he said.
When asked what he would like to express to the community, Devan told us, “All I hope is that people continue to keep their spirit alive through song, writing plays, writing music, and supporting the arts.”
A gofundme page has been posted in order to assist Devan with funeral and other costs for his mom, dad, and sister.
A wake for Don is planned for Friday, September 25, 6-8pm at Park Slope United Methodist Church at (410 6th Avenue at 8th Street). A memorial service for Don, Ledell, and Kat Mulvaney is planned for Saturday, September 26 at 4pm at First Congregational Church on the Green in Norwalk, CT. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Contributions in the Mulvaneys name may be made to Silver Lake Conference Center, 223 Low Road, Sharon, CT 06069, or the Park Slope United Methodist Church, or the First Congregational Church on the Green in Norwalk.
We continue to extend our deepest sympathies to Devan, Lucy, and all of the family and friends mourning the loss of Ledell, Don, and Kat.