Denise Burns McMullen

Denise Burns McMullen, age 57, of Wilmington, DE passed away at home on July 21, 2026. Born in San Diego, CA, she was the daughter of Betty (Risner) Wagner and the late Max Risner. She graduated from Thomas McKean High School and was working at Family Medicine Center at Greenhill in Wilmington.

Denise and her husband, Frank, enjoyed camping, boating and crabbing, often taking rides from Delaware City to Chesapeake Inn. She was very social and enjoyed hosting parties and playing cards with her friends and family. Denise was a lifelong member of the Millcreek Ladies Auxiliary and was very involved with the Delaware Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors. She was also a prior board member of The Ronnie Williams Foundation, a member of the Dunlinden Acres Civic Association, and previously volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware.

Denise is predeceased by her father, Max Risner and her stepsister, Sandi Wagner. Denise is survived by her husband, Frank McMullen; her son, Ryan McMullen; her brother, Dennis Risner (Lisa); her stepsiblings, Candance Roseo (Nunzio) and Kristin Cerase (Jim); her mother and stepfather, Betty and Joe Wagner; her stepchildren, Frankie McMullen (Joshlyn), Miranda Betancurt-Barnes (Sebastian), and Courtney McMullen (Frank Sawyer); her bonus sons, Karl and Gavin; her grandchildren, Freddy, Amelia, Genavieve “G Baby”, Roman, Harlow, Layla, Landon, Madison, and Lilian; her nephews, Eric (Paige), Kyle, and Elliot; her great nephew, Wesley; and many special cousins and lifelong friends who have become family throughout the past few years.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of the doctors and nurses who cared for Denise throughout the past few years, especially those of Family Medicine at Greenhill.

A visitation will be held on Saturday July 25th from 9 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. with funeral services to begin at 10:30 A.M at the Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road Wilmington, DE 19808. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery. The family encourages you to wear bright, tropical colors in memory of Denise. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Delaware Concerns of Police Survivors, PO BOX 430 Dover, DE 19903.