John "Sonny" R. Sullivan

NEWBURYPORT — John “Sonny” Raymond Sullivan of Newburyport, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Newburyport surrounded by his loving family.  He was the devoted husband of Anne E. (Hoffman) Sullivan of Newburyport, for 54 years, before she passed away December 26, 2010. He was the brother to Helena G. (Sullivan) Thurlow of Newburyport, who passed away January 17, 2019 and brother-in-law of Wallace W. Thurlow of Newburyport, who passed away on August 11, 2016.

He was born in Newburyport on February 1, 1930, the son of Christopher M. Sullivan and his wife Esther H. (Gunning) Sullivan and was a lifelong resident. Everyone called John by his nickname, Sonny, because he always had a “sunny” disposition!  Sonny was a graduate of Newburyport High School Class of 1947 and attended many of their reunions including their 65th. Just like his father, Sonny worked at Coca-Cola his entire career, starting out in the bottling room working his way up to Office Manager. He retired from Coca-Cola in 2002, at 72.

Growing-up, Sonny was an avid duck hunter and enjoyed boating on the “Helena G” along the Merrimack River until it was sunk in a hurricane.  In the summers, he loved going to Salisbury Beach every Saturday with his grandchildren and would often be seen floating on his back in the chilly waters.  He also enjoyed many summer trips with family and friends to Cape Cod. He was a loyal parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Church and he assisted with the collection baskets at Masses. For many years in retirement, he enjoyed driving his white 1998 Cherokee Jeep delivering Meals-on-Wheels to local residents. John also particularly loved his two cats, Peppercorn and Midas.

Sonny is survived by his daughter, Pamela A. (Sullivan) Renzi and her husband Richard A. of Andover; his sister-in-law, Janet (Hoffman) Murphy and her husband Robert of Newburyport; his grandchildren, Patrick Sullivan Renzi, and Kathleen Sullivan Renzi; and several nieces and nephews.

For the past five years Pamela, Richard, Patrick and Kathleen were so lucky and appreciative to have Sonny live with them at their home in Andover. He brought so much love, joy and happiness to all their lives. We will always cherish and think fondly of our “Sonny Days”.

Private funeral services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church, 42 Green Street, Newburyport. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. Sullivan’s family with his arrangements.

In lieu of attendance or flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Anna Jaques Hospital, at www.ajh.org. 

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