James J. Sullivan of Malden MA and York ME passed away peacefully on January 5, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Rose A. (McGaffigan) Sullivan who passed on October 24, 2020. He was the devoted father to Karen Shrewsbury and her husband John of Medford, MA, James and his wife Beth of Wakefield, MA, Daniel and his wife Susan of Revere, MA, and Brian and his wife Keleigh of Hudson, NH. Cherished Papa to Danielle Rossi and her husband Anthony, Sydney, Caitlyn, Lauren, Justin, Christopher and Kevin Sullivan. Loving great grandfather to Collin, Bennett, and Evan Rossi. “Sully” was survived by his sister Gail and her husband Burt Leader of Malden, brother-in-law P. Joseph McGaffigan of Medford, MA, sisters-in-law Mary Towle of Malden, MA, and Celia Albert and her husband Joseph of York, ME and many much-loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law William McGaffigan and his wife Ann, his sister-in-law Elizabeth “Betty” Buckley and her husband Steven, his brother-in-law Robert Towle and sister-in-law Virginia “Ginger” McGaffigan.
He was born in Malden the son of James and Mildred (Spillane) Sullivan. He graduated from Malden Catholic High School in 1954. He met his “Rosie” in grammar school, their love story began in high school. They wed in 1959 and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in May 2020. Sully proudly served in the US Army. In 1964 he joined the Malden Fire Department rising to the rank of Captain at Center House. He loved being a firefighter. He wore his uniform with pride. Family life revolved around his schedule. Dinner at 4:30 pm before a night shift, Christmas dinner when his shift was over.
Sully and Rose had lifelong friends from their grammar school and high school days. When the children were young, they enjoyed many family vacations together with these same friends on Lake Winnipesaukee. Later in life they loved hosting them at their home in York ME. Hours on the beach with a spirited game of bocci was one of the many simple pleasures Sully enjoyed. He loved the many card and dice games played around their kitchen table. Papa was his favorite title. Walking the beach with the grandchildren, digging for crabs, going to the Wiggly Bridge, ice cream at “Browns” and to visit his favorite lighthouse “The Nubble” were events looked forward to every year. Sully read many books on WWII. He could talk for hours and loved sharing his vast knowledge. He was the go-to for many a school project.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass in Sully’s honor at Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA on Monday January 11th at 10 am. Due to circumstances surrounding Covid-19 all other services are private. In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.