Robert M. Sullivan, 73, of Worcester, passed away suddenly on Saturday January 23rd, 2021 surrounded by family after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Robert leaves his sons, Robert M. Sullivan, II of Worcester, his wife Susan, Jamie Sullivan as well as his grandsons Sean and Robert III. He also leaves his siblings Virginia Fraser of Plantation Fl., William and Madeline Sullivan of Palm Beach, FL., Mary and Timothy Police of Yarmouthport, MA., and James and Joyce Sullivan of Holden, MA as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his former wife, Kathleen (King) Sullivan of Worcester.
Robert was born in Worcester, the son of Francis and Berniece (Bransfield) Sullivan. He was a lifelong educator who during his career was both a sixth grade teacher, a vice principal and then principal in the Worcester Public School system. Robert was passionate about teaching and made a huge impact on all of his students. He made it his mission to get to know his students and their families, even going so far to learn Vietnamese and Spanish so that he could communicate better with them. He was one of the last community school directors in the city. With his many awards and honors “Grampy” had a key to the city and so many people's hearts. His larger than life personality, witty sense of humor and unforgettable laugh made him popular with his students and faculty. Grampy was not only a teacher for his students, but a father figure and friend to all of the families that he served.
Prior to and after retirement Grampy loved to spend time at Hampton Beach with his family. When he retired, Grampy traveled many times to Vietnam and Cambodia, some of his favorite places in the world. Grampy loved going to restaurants with friends, and spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his son Jamie coach the Worcester Academy basketball team, and spending time with his grandson RMIII up at Green Hill Park catching frogs and turtles. Grampy’s love of music kept him singing and dancing right up until the end. Grampy will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to have known him.
His funeral is Monday, February 1st with his funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. John's Church, 44 Temple Street. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Sunday, January 31st, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. All COVID-19 precautions will be adhered to, including face masks and social distancing, during all segments of the funeral.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of his memory to St. Francis Xavier Center at St John’s Church Food for the Poor Program, 20 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604.