By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Every aspect of Gerald Mullins' life was colored by his thoughtful and compassionate nature.

As a father, he passed his love of horses, animal advocacy and sports on to his children, said his daughter, Deirdre C. Mullins of Covington.

And he was an engaging friend, who never lost touch. "When you had him, you had him for life," said daughter Lisa Mullins, also of Covington. "And he saw beauty in the smallest things."

Mr. Mullins, a retired advertising executive, died Thursday at Christ Hospital after a brief illness. The longtime Hyde Park resident, who recently moved to Covington, was 74.

"He wasn't about the surface of things," said Lisa Mullins. "He was very intelligent and deeply aware."

Born and raised in New York City, Mr. Mullins earned degrees in history and philosophy at Georgetown University.

In 1964, Mr. Mullins became advertising director for Formica Corp. when its executive offices were in Cincinnati.

"He fell in love with Cincinnati," said Lisa Mullins. "He thought it would be a good place to raise his children."

After about 16 years with Formica, he started his own marketing and communications firm, Piper Communications, based in Hyde Park.

He retired in 1994 to pursue interests including structural and interior design, working on the renovation of historical buildings in Covington owned by his daughters.

Mr. Mullins served in the Army during the Korean War.

Other survivors include a daughter, Donna Mullins of Alexandria, Va.; a brother, Thomas Mullins Jr. of Point Pleasant, N.J.; and his former wife and loving friend, Joan Mullins of Covington. Services are private.

Burial will be in Manhattan.

Memorials can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, c/o Member Services, attn. Linda Tiramani, 424 E. 92nd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY, 10128, or to Enjoy the Arts, 1338 Main St., Cincinnati, 45202.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com