Richard J. Sullivan
January 16, 1935 ~ February 10, 2017
DANVERS - Richard J Sullivan Sr., 82, went home to his parents, brothers, and sisters on February 10, 2017, surrounded by his loving children at the Kaplan Family Hospice House.
Born in Peabody on January 16, 1935 He was the son of the late Joseph and Annie (Trabucco) Sullivan. He was raised and educated in Peabody. Richard served our country with the United States Navy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He earned his associate degree in Fire Science from North Shore Community College.
Richard (Sully) Sullivan was a retired Danvers Fire Captain, serving 38 years with the Department. Sully always brought a wealth of knowledge to the table both as a fire officer and as a President of Local 2038. Anyone who ever worked with Sully could certainly share some very entertaining and memorable stories.
He is survived by his six children, Richard Sullivan Jr. of Salisbury, Theresa McPherson and her husband, Retired Danvers Deputy Fire Chief, James McPherson, of Center Ossipee, NH, Mary Ann Macdonald and her husband, Robert of West Newbury, Peabody LT. Stephen Sullivan and his wife, Sandy Sullivan of Salisbury, Maureen Torrisi of North Andover, and Michelle Sullivan of Rochester NH, four siblings, John Sullivan, Rose Vorderis, Susan Ballou, and Margaret Lessor, fourteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by seven siblings, George, Retired Salem Fire Chief, Joseph, Charles and William Sullivan, Mary Riddell, Elizabeth Davidson, and Bernadette Daley.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9AM on Thursday, February 16, 2017 in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant Street, Danvers. Burial will follow at Annunciation Cemetery, Hobart Street, Danvers. Visitation will be held from 4-8PM on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm Street, Danvers. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Richard’s name to the Kaplan Family Hospice House 78 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA, 01923.
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When he started taking a turn for the worse, I really thought it would be okay for him to go now. I didn’t think he’d want to live in a nursing home much longer. I felt like he was living out his worst nightmare. I really thought it would be better for him to go now, rather than to be sick for who knows how long. I thought maybe this way there would be no pain and he would be less likely to suffer.
What I DIDN’T think about was how much it would hurt those of us left behind. Knowing that we’ll never again hear his stories or teasing to make us laugh. We’ll never again see his face light up when he sees a little kid come in the room and then hear the nickname he assigns that kid the way he did with many of us. I didn’t think about never again feeling that sense of pride you could actually gain if you were the one to make HIM laugh. I never thought about life without him. I never dared imagine a world without Uncle Dick in it. Now that’s all I think about. Rest in peace, Uncle Dick. I will love and miss you always. Tina Marina XOXO
I remember at my brothers wedding uncle dick asked me how long i was married for and when i told him he laughed and said that was longer than his two marriages put together…Then he said lindalou can you go find me a cup of coffee and something sweet to eat with it..Uncle Dick im going to miss your smile,your laugh and your sweet soul you will always have a place in my heart 💖.I love you and will miss you…lindalou..
Uncle Dick you made alot of people happy I am going to miss you alot and I will always Love you you always going to be in my heart and soul
Captain Sullivan was my captain when I became a lieutenant on the Danvers Fire Department. Sully was an amazing fire officer that taught me a great deal. He always shared his knowledge and experience with the younger generation in hopes that they would succeed in the fire service and in life.
My greatest memory of Sully was my first fire as a Lieutenant. After the fire was out, Sully looked at me and said, Lieuy, you better sharpen your pencil because you have a lot of writing to do.
Sully I will never forget the confidence you had in me. You were by far the best fire officer I ever had the privilege of working for. Rest in peace my friend.
Kevin Farrell
Uncle Dick was a great uncle to all of us cousins and was a great brother to my mom. Anytime we ever had any issues in our house (furnace, water heater, post-fire issues, etc….), my mom would always say to call Dick and he would know what to do…..and he always came right over. When my mom got sick, Dick was over her house checking on her all the time, helping with appointments and anything else she needed. He was always very good to her. When I think of Uncle Dick, I think of someone who spent much of his life helping others, especially family.
I am very happy that my daughter Sarah got the chance to know Uncle Dick in recent years…..while she did not always get his humor – she did always enjoy her visits.
I will miss his stories – because no matter how many times we heard them (which was many !) they were always entertaining. Most of all, I will just miss that he is not with us anymore – I feel that he was the rock of the family, and just knowing that he was there was comforting to us all. Rest in Peace Uncle Dick – we will miss you very much!
Love, Eric, Lauri and Sarah Murphy
Sully was a great guy….a true firefighter! He was a strong union man……watched out for his men…..and loved to share his strawberries with me at 3AM. Miss you Sully!
Lit a candle in memory of Richard J. Sullivan
“Fifty=five years of memories. Dick you were my friend and you were my brother. We laughed together and cried together. I practically lived at your house when John was in Viet Nam.I remember helping you paint your living room , I still laugh as I remember you walking over to me as I admired my work and you taking your paintbrush that you had just loaded with paint you painted me. of course what ensued became the paint party of the century. All present did not see the humor in it.That was fifty years ago but seems like yesterday. So very young at heart, always ready to help anyone in need, I know you sit with God now and heaven is a happier place because you are there. Until we meet again , my friend you were always loved.” Penny
Uncle Dick I will miss you always and never forget you calling me Hurley instead of Shirley. There is a special place in my heart just for you .xoxoxo
Rick and family, We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please know that as each day passes, the memories you share of your father, will help to heal the pain and loss of such a great man. May God embrace you and your family, bless you, and give you peace during this time of need. Thomas Fallon, Living Water Catholic Knights of Columbus #16437
Lit a candle in memory of Richard J. Sullivan
I’m very sad to hear of my Uncle Dick’s passing. I have few fond childhood memories but a lot of them involved Uncle Dick – driving to Danvers to go swimming, hanging out with the Cousins and when he would visit my Dad. Dick was a good man who lived a good life helping others and if there really is an afterlife – he will be rewarded in it!
To many memories to list ! So blessed to have had you for my dad for almost 50 years ! I love and miss you terribly. Rest In Peace my sweet Dad.
Hi Dad, I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since you left this world! I miss you every day and wish I could go back in time!!! I find Peace in knowing you are with your “Ma and Pa” and your brothers, sisters, and all rhat have gone before you!! I love you, Dad!!!
There isn’t a single day where I’m not thinking of you grampy. You made me the man I am today. I loved your sense of humor. You always knew how to make me laugh. I love you grampy I will keep your legacy alive.
Dad, I miss you so much my heart aches! I’ve been reading the tributes that people wrote about you! You were the best! I miss you. Love T although you always called me Theresa!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Lit a candle in memory of Richard J. Sullivan
Dad,
I’ve been thinking of you a lot lately. I can still hear your voice. I want to Thank you for taking such good of all of your kids. You were our only constant parent. I love and miss you so much. It still hurts like crazy.
Love you
T
Dad, I miss you so much it hurts! There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you and how great a dad you were! You would love your great grandson Connor! I wish Connor got to meet you! You guys would be best friends!
Love you Dad
T
Miss you! Love T
Dad
Think of you often! You now have 4 Grandchildren since you’ve passed. Nick and Casey have Connor 4, Reilly Rooster 2, Brendan 3 months! Andrew and Miss Jess have Penelope! You would most definitely be visiting these cuties everyday. (Unannounced of course)😂. I hope your enjoying your brothers and sister in heaven! Love and miss u!❤️ T