Remembering an icon

By Scott Baker

VERNON — Sussex County lost a pioneer of economic development and a true pillar of the community with the passing of Gene Walter Mulvihill on Saturday, Oct. 27. He was 78. He is survived by his wife, Gail, six children and 16 grandchildren.

Mulvihill graduated from West Orange High School and Lehigh University and also served in the United States Marine Corps, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, where he earned the rank of captain.

After hearing of the death of the New Vernon, N.J. resident, Governor Chris Christie said, “Gene Mulvihill’s contributions to the economic development of Sussex County are unquestionable. His unique vision and entrepreneurial spirit will be greatly missed.”

Mulvihill was well-known to area residents for his connections to ski resorts and golf courses, most recently including Mountain Creek and Crystal Springs Resorts. Less known were his contributions to cellular broadcast technology, Cablevision, cancer drugs, robotics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), amusement park rides, ranching and real estate development.

Long-time friend and associate Dr. John Whiting, of Vernon, said, “If Gene wasn’t the most important person in the development of Sussex County, I don’t know who was.”

Whiting said that Mulvihill was the type of person who was willing to step in to save flagging area businesses who had gotten into financial trouble, noting how he took over the Playboy Club (now Legends Resort) after Vernon Township voted down a proposed gambling license for the property in the early 1980s. “When significant businesses were in trouble, he would find a way to keep them going,” Whiting said.

Whiting also isn’t shy to point out that the media image of Mulvihill hasn’t always been flattering, noting how Mulvihill’s role as “a very competitive, aggressive businessman” made him a favorite target for local media outlets. Despite this image, Whiting says Mulvihill was a modest man who helped thousands of people through personal and organizational contributions. Whiting also remembered Mulvihill for never seeking recognition for his acts of generosity, and said he would insist on his good deeds never being mentioned publicly.

“Mulvihill produced a quality of interest that people will be enjoying for years to come,” Whiting said, which helped change Sussex County from a strictly agrarian community to a resort community. This not only helps ease loal property taxes by providing ratables paid for by out-of-staters, he added, but the increased traffic also makes it possible for local businesses to thrive.