Brian Sullivan, 73, of Londonderry, NH died Sunday November 29, 2020 at his home following a period of declining health. Brian was born in Boston, MA on February 5, 1947, a son of the late Leo and Thelma (Barth) Sullivan. He had been a resident of Londonderry since 1977, formerly living in Medford, MA. Brian served from 1965 to 1968 with the US Army, during the Vietnam Era. Brian was an accomplished Electron Scanning Microscopist, which earned him an award in the 1982 Polaroid International Instant Photomicrography Competition.
Brian was, and always will be, the kindest, most gentlest soul, who’s unique sense of humor was the glue that bound our family, and kept our hearts laughing. His talent for witty one-liners, and hilarious sense of humor, crowned him the King of the Dad Jokes. He loved deep, and was loved even deeper. As a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, he touched so many lives in his 73 years. He had an enormous passion for music, which had a profound effect on people, especially his daughter. He showed and taught love through his guitar. He passed surrounded by his 2nd greatest joy (next to his grandchildren), music stands, overflowing with sheet music, and a guitar in each corner, ever awaiting someone to teach. Whether it be The Eagles, Dan Fogelberg, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond or any number of artists, the man could play. His grandchildren meant the world to him and, as he did with his own children, you could always count on him to be at a game, or an event, to show his support. He often became known as “#1 fan”, as it was all too common to find “Mr. Sullivan” sitting in his chair, waiting for his son’s, or one of his grandchildren’s, games to start. We know he will now have the best seat in the house for ALL of the games. It gives us comfort knowing that our Brother, Brian, was there to hold out his hand and welcomed our Father home.
“The Leader of the Band is tired,
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul.
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man,
I’m just a living legacy
To the Leader of the Band…”
~Dan Fogelberg
Brian is survived by one son, Joshua Sullivan, and his wife, Allison, of Hooksett, NH; one daughter, Shannon Sullivan, and her partner, David Hartjes, of Medford, MA; nine grandchildren (Lauren, Mikayla, Alyssa, Kyle, Brian, Kylie, Jaxson, Ava and Avery); one brother, Leo Sullivan, and his wife, Theresa, of Montville, NJ; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his other son, Brian Sullivan, as well as his two sisters, Denise Quin and Ellen Lubin.
He was laid to rest with, alongside his son, in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Gilcreast Rd. Londonderry with a private ceremony. Due to State of NH guidelines, all guests are required to wear masks, minimize contact and maintain social distancing. A much more deserved Memorial service will be planned for him in the spring/summer of 2021, once it is (hopefully) safer for everyone who wishes to pay tribute, to travel to NH. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry assist the family with arrangements .