Edward F. "Sully" Sullivan, 87, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, February 11, 2022. He was the beloved partner of Joan Gonsalves for many years. Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Edward and Mary (Mackey) Sullivan. Sully was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran serving during the Korean War and was attached to the 3510th Motor Vehicle Squadron.
Sully had a lifelong love of the sea and enjoyed sailing for many years. He was a man of many interests and skills, including tugboat engineer and shipyard foreman. He was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, and was an excellent cook, delighting many with his culinary creations. A source of deep gratitude in his life was achieving sobriety, which at the time of his death measured 48 years. Sully helped countless people struggling with addiction and will be remembered for his numerous acts of love and kindness. He remained a faithful friend to fellow veterans and was also well known for his compassion for animals having rescued and found homes for over 100 stray cats.
Survivors include his partner Joan, his children, Kelly Perry, Casey Sullivan, Karol Simas, Sean Sullivan, Megan Sullivan, and Kerry Sullivan, as well as 31 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Carol (Maurer) Sullivan and his children Ted Sullivan, Matthew Sullivan, Kyle Robitaille and Mary Trice.
The funeral will be held Friday, February 18th at 9 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Edward's memory to the DAV, Habitat for Cats, or the Alzheimer's Association.