John F. “Sully” Sullivan, 86, of Worcester died Tuesday, November 9th in UMASS Memorial Medical Center. He leaves his wife of 6 years and companion of 30, Phyllis (Marnalse) Sullivan; his first wife, Maureen (Sullivan) Charbonneau; three children, Wayne Sullivan of Homestead, FL, Kathleen Prudente and her husband, Joseph of Worcester, and Kyle Sullivan and his wife, Debra of High Point, NC; a son-in-law John Prudente of FL; a sister, Mary St. John of Texas; his step-children, Christine Siegle and her husband Frederick of KY, and Philip F. Marnalse of Worcester. He also leaves ten grandchildren, Sean, Kelly, Shamus and Ashley Sullivan, Kevin Prudente, Jillian Masters, Daniel and Joseph Sullivan, Johnny and Jimmy Prudente; eight step-grandchildren, Shellie, Ashley, and Frederick Siegle, Philip Jr., Bethany, and Luke Marnalse, and Samantha and Stephanie Farragher; 24 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Nancy (Sullivan) Prudente; two sisters, Teresa Picknik and Ruth Guyan; and a brother, Robert Sullivan.
He was born in Worcester the son of John and Mary (Clark) Sullivan and graduated from Boys Trade where he played football. John’s journey in life was interesting and exciting to him. As a young man, John joined the Navy, where he served his country and started his family. Over the years, John serviced many retail stores with different products. He worked at Wyman Gordon’s, Grafton, and purchased “Sully’s Time Out Pub” until his retirement in 1990. After retiring, Sully managed his income properties until he sold them all.
Sully’s real passion in life was coaching! Over the years, he coached pop warner football for Auburn and the Worcester Vikings, St. Peter’s, Holy Name, and Worcester Voke High Schools. He coached baseball for Joe Swartz Little League, and held basketball clinics at Our Lady of the Rosary Church. He also coached CYC basketball and won many New England Championships. He was also a long-time basketball referee for many leagues, highlighted by his Harlem Globetrotter appearance as a guest referee during one of their visits to Worcester. He also played softball and sponsored many teams over the years,
John was affectionately known for his colorful language, Irish temper, and his plain Coney Island hot dogs.
His visitation will be Sunday, November 21st from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue followed by his funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
My Friend til the end!