SULLIVAN, Gerard G. of Needham, formerly of Brighton, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Katherine M. (Hosie) Sullivan. Devoted father of Brian J. Sullivan and his wife Jennifer of Medfield, Kay Sullivan and her husband Jeremy Leeman of Palermo, ME, Elizabeth M. McFadyen and her husband Joseph of Wilmington, and the late Gerard G. Sullivan and his surviving wife Terren of Chicago, IL. Grandfather of Kristina, Audra, Eamon, Jay, Matthew, and Dorothy. Great-grandfather of Scarlett. Brother of Rev. Eugene P. Sullivan of Regina Cleri, Boston and the late John Sullivan and Mary Bertain. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Born in Brighton, MA, Gerard was the youngest child of Jeremiah J. and Mary (Cronin) Sullivan. He attended Saint Columbkille School, Boston College High School, and was a member of the Boston College Class of 1962. He received his MA in Education at Suffolk University.
Being of service to others defined Gerard. After college, he was a member of the US Marine Corp Reserves. He then began a career as an History and Latin teacher at the Jeremiah Burke High School in Boston. In the mid-seventies he was appointed as Assistant to the Massachusetts State Treasurer. He then transitioned to serve his home community of Needham as Treasurer for the Town. Gerard also served on Needham's Finance Committee for several years.
Gerard was active in Needham clubs including serving as Treasurer for the Exchange Club, Treasurer for Pop Warner Football, and President of the 76ers. He was a member of Saint Joseph's parish for over fifty years and served as a Lector for eighteen years.
Most important to Gerard was his family. He was a good son and brother, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He truly loved spending time with his wife of 57 years, Katherine, whether it was enjoying time taking adventures at the Cape, travelling, visiting family across the country, or spending evenings at home sharing books, music, and conversation.
He was an involved father encouraging his children and grandchildren to pursue their interests, always proud of them, and never missing an opportunity to say, "I love you."
He was kind and welcoming. His open and jovial nature made him a favorite uncle and easy friend.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., Needham on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 4-7pm. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, Needham at 10am. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Gerard Sullivan to the MGH Nerve Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital by Clicking Here
Checks must be made payable to Massachusetts General Hospital and can be mailed to:
MGH Nerve Unit in Memory of Gerard Sullivan
c/o MGH Development Office
125 Nashua Street, Suite 540
Boston, MA 02114
Credit card donations are also accepted by phone at 617.726.2200
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Massachusetts General Hospital Nerve Unit: Click Here