Obituaries

Patrick Thomas Mullin

August 28, 2007 - October 31, 2026

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 64 Broad Street, Woodstown, NJ 08098. An additional visitation will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Olivet Church, 933 Centerton Road, Pittsgrove, NJ 08318, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Olivet Cemetery, 933 Centerton Road, Pittsgrove, NJ 08318.

Patrick Thomas Mullin, 19, affectionately known as Patty, Pattycakes, Pat, Patty-Pat, or simply “P,” passed away on October 31, 2026, after a lifelong battle with mitochondrial disease—a battle he faced every day with the heart and spirit of a warrior.

Though Patrick rarely spoke a word aloud, he had a remarkable way of saying everything without saying anything at all. His expressions, gestures, infectious belly laughs, and loving snuggles spoke volumes. Those fortunate enough to know Patrick understood that words were never necessary to feel his love, share in his joy, or know exactly what was on his mind.

Throughout his 19 years, Patrick experienced the world with the childlike wonder, innocence, and pure, unfiltered joy of a four-year-old little boy. He found happiness in the simplest things—music, bright colors, silly antics, and the kind of slapstick humor that could send him into fits of laughter. Patrick’s world was a colorful, magical place, filled with beloved characters and familiar stories that never lost their charm. His room reflected everything he loved, with larger-than-life pictures and decorations that brought his favorite characters from Sesame Street, The Muppets, Toy Story, and Thomas the Tank Engine to life, immersing visitors in his special world.

His beloved iPad was rarely far from his side, loaded with clips of his favorite shows and movies that he watched on repeat. And repeat. And repeat again. Patrick never tired of the things that made him happy, and anyone who spent enough time with him eventually knew every word, every song, and every silly sound by heart. It was impossible to be part of Patrick’s world without learning the soundtrack.

At the center of Patrick’s world was his family, who loved him fiercely and unconditionally. His mother, Carrie (Brzycki) Fordyce, was his constant companion, advocate, and biggest champion. Every morning, she would enter his room and greet him with the same loving name: “Lovebug.” Patrick adored his mom, always searching for her, gazing deeply into her eyes, sharing his biggest belly laughs, and squeezing her hand in a way that said everything words never could. Their extraordinary bond was built on a lifetime of love, trust, and an understanding that needed no spoken language.

Carrie devoted herself tirelessly to giving Patrick the fullest, happiest life possible. She became his voice and an unwavering force in the fight against mitochondrial disease, pursuing treatments and the hope of a cure while advocating for his needs in education and healthcare. Through fundraising for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF), sharing Patrick’s story, and raising awareness, she helped turn their family’s journey into a source of inspiration and hope for others.

Patrick shared a lifetime of special memories with his father, Eric W. Mullin, from riding his favorite attractions at Sesame Place and Disney World to countless family vacations. Eric lovingly carried and assisted Patrick even as he grew into a young man and his physical challenges increased. Patrick’s excited hand gestures, playful expressions, and silly sounds never failed to bring a smile to his dad’s face.

Patrick also shared a special bond with his devoted stepfather, Joseph D. Fordyce, who entered his life when Patrick was a tween. Although they had just under eight years together, their connection was strong from the start. Joe embraced Patrick exactly as he was, quickly learned his unique language, and spent countless hours by his bedside.

Patrick was blessed with the best big brother he could have asked for in Alex (AJ) Mullin, and he happily welcomed stepsiblings Daniel, Claire, and Josephine Fordyce into his life. His siblings and cousins—Samantha (Sami) and Cody Twigg, and Harper and Cole Brzycki—were his best friends and biggest cheerleaders. They celebrated his joys, embraced his uniqueness, and loved him exactly as he was.

Sami held an especially treasured place in Patrick’s heart. Born just six weeks apart, they were twin souls and partners in crime from the very beginning. She was one of his favorite people, always wanting him by her side and including him in the milestones and special moments of her life.

Patrick was also deeply loved by his doting maternal grandparents, Norma and Louis Brzycki; his aunts and uncles, Jana and Don Twigg, Drew and Dawn Brzycki, Shelly and Michael Lasenick, and Matthew Fordyce; his paternal grandparents, William and Janet Mullin; his step-grandparents, Carolyn Fordyce, Jeff Kahn, Joseph Fordyce, and Suzanne Sweeney; and his cousins, Mikayla and Ethan Lasenick.

Throughout his life, Patrick was blessed with an extraordinary group of nurses who became so much more than caregivers. They were his companions, protectors, playmates, and, ultimately, an extension of his family. They spent countless hours by his side, expertly managing his complex medical needs while sharing in his laughter, learning his expressions, and embracing all the little things that made him Patrick. Their dedication went far beyond their profession, and the love they shared with Patrick was genuine and deeply felt. They stood beside him through every challenge, remaining with him until the very end. His family will forever be grateful for the compassion, devotion, and love they gave him throughout his life.

Patrick’s story reached far beyond those who knew him personally. Featured in videos, articles, and social media posts, he became a symbol of hope, resilience, and strength for families navigating the challenges of mitochondrial disease. His journey helped raise awareness, inspired others to keep fighting, and reminded people that even a life filled with extraordinary challenges can also be filled with extraordinary joy.

Though his time here was far too short, the joy he brought into this world and the love he inspired will last a lifetime.

Please wear green in honor of Patrick and his battle with mitochondrial disease.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Patrick’s memory to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) to support research, awareness, and families affected by mitochondrial disease: https://umdf.donordrive.com/campaigns/Patrick_Mullin_Memorial