Don Sullivan

Donald Edward Sullivan, 70, beloved husband of Cathy (Fitzpatrick) Sullivan, died July 23 after a heck of a fight. He was born September 30, 1941, the son of Gertrude (Shields) and Leo Sullivan.

He and his wife Cathy were married on June 19, 1965, and had been residents of Newtown for more than 30 years. Mr Sullivan loved Newtown.

His wife; three sons and their wives, Timothy and Debra Sullivan of Newtown, Patrick and Patty Sullivan of Oxford, and Michael and Becky Sullivan of Beacon Falls; and seven grandchildren survive him.

Mr Sullivan was a proud Vietnam War veteran, having honorably served in the US Army Special Forces.

He retired from Pitney-Bowes, following a successful 38-year career with the company. He was the director of quality control, Facsimile Division, at the time of his retirement. His business frequently took him to Japan, where he made many lasting friendships.

When his sons were young, Mr Sullivan was involved in scouting, acting as a Webelo and Cub Scout leader in several states.

He was a Lifetime Member of both the Special Forces Association and The American Radio Relay League. He loved ham radios (he built his first one), and enjoyed making contact with fellow hams in other countries. He was particularly thrilled when he was able to reach hams living behind the Iron Curtain.

Mr Sullivan was a member of Newtown Congregational Church.

He and his wife enjoyed helping others, volunteering with Newtown Meals On Wheels and The Newtown Fund’s Holiday Basket program. He was known as the “fix-it guy” at the Newtown Congregational Church’s Cornerstone Thrift Shop.

Mr Sullivan loved music, especially music from the 50s and 60s.

More than anything, Mr Sullivan loved and lived for his family. He married the love of his life, couldn’t be prouder of the men and fathers his sons had become, and he adored his daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

He told corny jokes, always sang out of tune, and was never, ever, ever late. He was the “Toughest Man in the World.”

Calling hours will be Monday, July 30, from 5 to 8 pm, at Honan Funeral Home, 50 Main Street, in Newtown. A funeral with full military honors will take place at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, on Tuesday, July 31, at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that friends consider making a donation to The Special Operations Warrior Foundation at www.SpecialOps.org or the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown CT 06470.

The Newtown Bee        July 27, 2012