John F. Sullivan passed away at home in New Bedford, MA on September 9, 2019. He was the long-time companion of Nina Catelli Vincent and the son of the late Frederick and Lillian (Hamblett) Sullivan. John was raised in Brockton, MA and was a graduate of the inaugural class from Cardinal Spellman High School. John served in the Air Force for four years.
Over the course of his lifetime, John was an electronics engineer, pilot, sailor, musician, stonecarver, photographer, clocksmith, boatbuilder, artist and more. But he was best known for being an expert woodworker who could design, create, reproduce, and repair any item. For a number of years, John was a woodworker at Plimoth Plantation museum in Plymouth, MA. He lived on Martha’s Vineyard for many years where he built and repaired furniture and was a boat builder. Everything John did he did with exquisite craftsmanship.
John leaves behind his long-time partner and caregiver, Nina Catelli Vincent of New Bedford; Nina’s children, Ian Vincent of New Bedford and Rachel Vincent of Revere; a brother, Joseph and his wife Susan Sullivan of Glastonbury, CT; several nieces and nephews as well as Nina’s extended family. He was also the brother of the late Ann Sullivan Glenn of MD.
All are invited to a celebration of John’s life on Saturday, October 12, 2019. We will meet at 1 p.m.to say good-bye on the Merchant Mariner Memorial Walkway at Fort Taber Park, 1000 Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford, followed by a luncheon at Me & Ed’s Restaurant, 30 Brock Ave., New Bedford, where it is hoped stories and memories of John will be shared.
Donations may be made in John's memory to the Buzzards Bay Coalition, (114 Front St., New Bedford, MA 02740) to support the work of the David Riggs lab. Or donate to your local land/water conservation organization.
Arrangements by the Wilson Chapel, New Bedford, MA