John Jack Sullivan Jr.

New London - John "Jack" E. Sullivan Jr., 80, of New London, passed away on Nov. 25, 2010.

Jack was born on Nov. 22, 1930, in New London to his parents, John and Agnes Sullivan. He attended Harbor School, St. Joseph's School, and graduated in 1949 from New London's Bulkeley School. After graduation from high school, Jack joined the U.S. Navy, serving on aircraft carriers as part of Fighter Squadron # 72. He was first on the USS Bon Homme Richard taking part in the Korean War and later on the USS Bennington in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas. While on the Bennington, he went to the Vatican where he met Pope Pius XII.

Jack was a life member of VFW Post #189, where he was often found in the kitchen during events. He was also a member of American Legion Post #9 and the Retired Armed Forces Association of New London. He was also a life member of Carpenter's Union, Local #24.

Jack started working for his uncle at R.J. Sullivan Construction at an early age, serving as the company foreman for many years. Jack was a hard worker who put in whatever time was necessary to complete the job. He was proud of many local projects he worked on and supervised, including St. Agnes Church in Niantic, St. Mary's convent in New London, Stop & Shop in Old Saybrook, Tracor in New London, and many of the region's post offices and schools. He was especially proud of the renovations to the front of his own St. Joseph's Church in the mid 1980s.

Jack Sullivan was a lover of family, friends, and Budwiser. He could be counted on to help a friend or even a stranger in need; it didn't matter if it was a ride to the airport or a doctor's office, digging a trench for a utility hook up, or even moving a boat under the cover of darkness.

Jack Sullivan married Janet Bilodeau on April 15, 1961, in Nasonville, R.I., and they made their home in New London. Jack and Jan were generous, supporting many charities. Jack was often found working in New London's Soup Kitchen. The Sullivan's purchased computers for St. Joseph's School and even financed the building of a home in Haiti as part of the Diocese of Norwich's mission there. Janet passed away on Aug. 22, 1997.

Jack is survived by his two daughters, Eileen Scalia of Waterford and Nancy Edwards of New London. Grandpa Jack will also be missed by his four grandchildren, Joseph and Katie Scalia and Danielle and Jason Edwards.

Besides his wife, Jack was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Shelia Sullivan Boyd.

Jack's family would like to thank Beachwood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of New London for the wonderful care he received while there.

The funeral will assemble at 8:45 a.m. Monday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London, and proceed to a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today Sunday.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Joseph Endowment Fund, 17 Squire St., New London CT 06320.

Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to send a condolence message to the family.