Robert E. Sullivan

January 27, 1942 - March 02, 2023

...
Text:

Obituary for Robert E. Sullivan

Robert "Bob" Sullivan, 81, of Milton, MA passed away peacefully March 2, 2023, surrounded by his family after a brief and sudden illness. Bob was born in Boston, Massachusetts and was the son of the late Dr. William Sullivan and Ann Sullivan of Milton, MA.

Bob was a devoted family man who always put his family first. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Jane (Downey) Sullivan. Father to Matthew Sullivan and his wife Christine of Milton, MA, Kristin Lombardi and her husband John of Cohasset, MA, Neal Sullivan of Milton, MA and Molly Lavey and her husband William of Quincy, MA. He is also survived by his three sisters, Midge Durgin of Hingham, MA, Margo Delaney of Cambridge, MA and Sally Conahan of Milton, MA. He is predeceased by his brothers William J. Sullivan of Milton, MA and Jeffrey Sullivan of Walpole, MA. He will be forever cherished and remembered by his eleven grandchildren, Maggie, Audrey, Jeffrey, Emmett, Katherine, Nora, Liam, Conor, Sara, Mia, and Neal Jr.

Bob was 1960 graduate of Milton High School and went on to attend Boston College, graduating in 1965. He was a respected businessman with a tireless work ethic and was employed by Harvey Industries for 36 years as their Head of Acoustical Sales before retiring in 2008. Prior to that Bob was a Sales Executive for Bird & Sons. Bob and his wife, Jane, raised their family in Franklin, MA and immersed themselves in the community becoming active members in St. Mary’s Parish. He was socially active in many community and civic organizations and had an unwavering commitment to service and charity. He loved the game of golf and the opportunity it afforded him to create new friendships and strengthen lifelong relationships. He especially enjoyed playing golf with his sons and grandsons and relished the time with the boys on Masters Sunday. Time with his family was his true passion, especially vacations on Cape Cod, ski trips to the White and Green Mountains, and watching his grandchildren compete in sports.

Bob will be remembered as a devoted husband, dedicated family man, loyal friend, and a true gentleman. He made an impact on all facets of his life and created deep meaningful relationships with all the lives he touched. He was an original, and his legacy will carry on through his children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Agatha Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton MA, Monday March 13 at 12 PM. Family and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Sunday from 2-5 PM.

Donations in Bob's memory may be sent to Saint Cecilia Parish, 18 Belvidere St., Boston, MA 02115 (please put Bob's name on the memo line). https://www.stceciliaboston.org/giving-at-saint-cecilia/

Services

12 Mar

Visiting Hours

02:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
13 Mar

Mass of Christian Burial

12:00 PM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • March 15, 2023

    Ed and Jean Fitzgerald

    A good and well-respected friend. A true gentleman who will be sorely missed by all who knew him, Both Jean and I send our heartfelt condolences to you Jane and your entire family. Ed Fitzgerald

  • March 13, 2023

    Jean Carroon

    My husband, Mike Payne, and I have been blessed to have had Jane and Bob in our lives. It is a gift we will always treasure. Many years ago, we used to get together for sports events, thanks to Bob and Harvey, but I am not really a sports person, so the tickets were wasted on me. I also have a slight dyslexia around names. These two things converged when I sought to impress Bob by telling him about the time I saw Larry King playing for the Celtics. .. . His face was priceless, I think it may be the only time I ever saw him speechless as he tried to recover. Suffice it to say, after that we just went to dinner without the sports. The laughter was no longer interrupted by pesky baskets and homeruns. Many many fond memories My deepest condolences to Jane and the wonderful Sullivan family.

  • March 13, 2023

    Alyssa Sinclair

    Mrs. Sullivan, Matt, Kristin, Neal, and Molly, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have a wonderful community of friends and family to surround you now, and I hope that brings you some comfort during this difficult time. I'm holding you all in my thoughts as well. Alyssa (Sveden) Sinclair

  • March 12, 2023

    Deanne Dickinson

    Dear Sullivan family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending much love and prayers during this heartbreaking time.

  • March 11, 2023

    Michael Payne

    To the Sullivan family, My wife Jean and I first met your Dad decades ago, and shortly afterwards, your Mom. Despite never having met most of the extended Sullivan family, we came to know the big, wonderful Sullivan family through the stories that your Dad and Mom would tell. They always said that family was their greatest gift in life and what they were most grateful for. Knowing their pride and love for you, we can somewhat understand the heartache all of you must be feeling with your Dad's unexpected passing and your Mother's grief. We know that you will all love and support each other to get through this sad event. Jean and I share your loss and offer our heartfelt condolences on this very sad occasion. Mike Payne and Jean Carroon

  • March 11, 2023

    Roberta Trahan

    Our deepest sympathy to the entire Sullivan family. Bob was always a gentleman; kind, caring and loving life. His faith and family were of utmost importance to him. We have many fond memories from our Franklin Community; many laughs and fun times. May he rest in peace. With love and sympathy, Roberta and Roger Trahan

  • March 10, 2023

    Ned Maguire

    My sincere condolences to the entire Sullivan family. Bob and I were Classmates at MHS 1960 and played football together. Bob was always an inspiration both in sports and life. I admired his kind demeanor and fierce competitiveness on the field. He will be missed by all who knew him.

  • March 10, 2023

    Donna Orr

    Dear Sullivan Family, My heart goes out to you and your family. Thinking of you and wishing you comfort through this difficult time. Donna Dickinson Orr

  • March 09, 2023

    Eleanor Downey Brown

    Dear Jane and family so sorry for the loss of Bob such a wonderful man,will be unable to attend services ,but will keep you in my prayers . cousin Karen Sanborn

  • March 09, 2023

    Eleanor Downey Brown

    To the Sullivan family we share in your grief over the loss of a wonderful husband and father , we are unable to attend services but you are all in our thoughts and prayers . cousin Eleanor Downey Brown and David

  • March 09, 2023

    Donna Martin

    Mr. and Mr.Sullivan were best CCD teachers ever in there home! Deepest Condolences to the Sullivan Family. Best, Donna Heinzmann Martin

  • March 08, 2023

    Fr. Mike (Rocco) Guarino

    Bob was one magnificent man. My love and sympathy to Jane and all the family. I have so many warm memories of Bob from my days at St. Mary's in Franklin. The Sullivan's were of great assistance for the Feast of St. Rocco and I enjoyed our presentation as a team on "Evenings for the Engaged." He was a man of Faith and Family. My God bring him home

  • March 07, 2023

    Patrick Steeves

    As with all of Matt, Kristin, Neal, and Molly's friends Mr. Sullivan always made me feel welcome as well as part of the family. He is most certain to be missed, but his impact will not be forgotten.

  • March 07, 2023

    Tony Longo

    Jane, and the entire Sullivan family...my words cannot express the sadness that this brings to all of us who were so blessed to have Bob as our friend and colleague. Bob and I walked into Harvey Industries on the very same day in November 1978 and shared so many great memories socially as well as many major triumphs in our business lives together. Bob was a great competitor in golf as well as in his many successful business accomplishments! He was the ultimate gentleman, and always put others ahead of him, while never taking the credit that he deserved. Patti and I are deeply saddened for your loss and cannot fully express our sympathies! However we take great comfort in knowing that Bob is resting in peace! May God bless you all in this time of great sorrow! Tony Longo.