Michael "Sully" Sullivan

What a long strange trip it's been, but he is finally at peace. Michael's journey ended on January 25 after a courageous battle with dementia, surrounded by his family. It began on March 17, 1950 in Newburyport, MA. He is predeceased by his beloved parents Raymond Sullivan and Mary (Lyons) Sullivan, also by his brother Kevin Sullivan whom he dearly loved.

Sully graduated from Newburyport High School in 1968 and one of his biggest joys was playing football for the Clippers. During this time he met many of his lifelong football family of friends. Next he went on to graduate from the University of Maine. Where again he met many of his lifelong friends. He worked for many summers as a life guard on Plum Island and Salisbury Beach (“the best job he ever had”). Again he met many of his lifelong friends. Eventually he worked in the nuclear power business including twenty-six years at Seabrook Station. Here he met his nuclear friends. We lived in the same neighborhood for thirty-five years where we enjoyed wonderful neighbors. To meet Sully was to be his friend.

His greatest love and joy in life was his family: his wife Nancy (Dodge) Sullivan aka “the Chief”, his daughter Meghan and partner Kris Mitchell and his son Ray and wife Alison Sullivan. His grandchildren who affectionately called him Bumpa; Charlie, Elizabeth, Maisie, Ronan, Kristopher and Jameson. Also his brother's wonderful family, his wife Ellen and children; Sean, Katherine, and Kevin. He had many cousins who treated him like a brother, especially his “ favorite cousin”, Nancy Kennison.

Michael was the kindest, most generous, and easy going guy. His free time was spent sitting on Salisbury Beach doing a crossword puzzle or cryptoquote, reading, watching sports, or just enjoying a beer with a friend or neighbor. Live music was another big passion especially the Grateful Dead! He was always ready with a witty remark or a helping hand. To quote Sully, “just have as much fun as you can!” He will be greatly missed and we will forever cherish the many memories that we shared with him.

I especially want to thank the caregivers from both Brookhaven Hospice and Merrimac Valley Health Center in Amesbury. They made Michael's last years comfortable and full of love.

I'd like to leave with one of Sully's favorite quotes from Jack Kerouac.

“...the only people for me are the mad ones,

the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk,

mad to be saved, desirous of everything at

the same time, the ones who never yawn

or say a common place thing, but

burn, burn, burn,

like fabulous yellow roman candles

exploding like spiders across the stars

and in the middle, you see the blue

centerlight pop, and everyone goes

“awww.”

Due to Covid restrictions Sully’s Services will be private. A Celebration of his Life will be announced in the future. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. Sullivan’s family with his funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donate to CTE Center at BU or Dementia Society of America.

To offer online condolences and check for service updates please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com.

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