Thomas H. Sullivan

Thomas H. Sullivan, 88, died Friday, August 8th, at The Meadows Nursing Facility. He was the father of Monsignor Thomas J. Sullivan, Chancellor of the Diocese of Worcester.

He was born on July 24, 1920 in Lowell, the son of the late Joseph D. and Vera (Hessian) Sullivan, and was raised in North Andover.

He also leaves two other sons: both of North Andover, Stephen M. Sullivan and his wife, Judith (Bastian), and Peter J. Sullivan and his wife, Elizabeth (Flynn), and two daughters: Mrs. Maribeth T. Sullivan and her husband, James, of Lowell, and Mrs. Kathleen A. Carbone, and her husband, Joseph, of Bolton; a brother, Raymond R. Sullivan of North Andover, and a sister, Mrs. Vera Beaumont of Salem, New Hampshire. In addition to 12 nephews and nieces, he leaves five grandchildren: Keriann Wilmot of Haverhill, and Stephen F. Sullivan, Kaitlin Sullivan, Matthew Sullivan and Ian Sullivan, all of North Andover. He was predeceased by his wife, Rita Bridget (Roche), who died in 2000. A brother, Robert J. Sullivan, died in 1981.

He was educated in North Andover's public schools, graduating from Johnson High School in 1938. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1942, and was president of his class during his junior year.

Following duty with the United States Army from 1942-1945, serving in England, France and Germany, he undertook graduate studies in science at Boston College, and in history at Niagara University and at Fordham University. He was also assistant football coach at Niagara University.

He served as a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1948 until 1971, serving in San Francisco, New York and Boston. He studied at San Francisco Law School. In the F.B.I., he specialized in espionage activities of the Communist Party (San Francisco), foreign political operatives in the U.S. (New York), and organized crime, racketeering and bank robberies (Boston).

Later, he was a special investigator for the New England Organized Crime Intelligence System, reporting to the six Attorneys General of New England, and he was the first Director of Security for Seiler's Food Corporation. He retired in 1984. For the next sixteen years, he cared for his beloved wife who was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

Mr. Sullivan was the oldest of three brothers who played football at Holy Cross between 1938 and 1948, all of whom were running backs. His career was cut short by an injury received in his junior year at Yankee Stadium while opposing New York University. In 1947, his brother, Bob, received the 'Bulger' Lowe Award as New England's outstanding player, and went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers. His brother, Ray, continues to hold Holy Cross' record for the most yards gained on an interception, 100 yards (1944).

Mr. Sullivan was a member of the General Alumni Association of Holy Cross College and for many years he was the Class Agent for the Class of 1942. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Catherine Parish in Pelham, New York, and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Michael Parish in North Andover. He was also a member of Merrimack College's 'Men of Merrimack' and a supporter of Holy Family Hospital (formerly Bon Secours) in Methuen. An excellent pianist, he played the piano and organ for Masses and other celebrations at Mary Immaculate Nursing/Restorative Center in Lawrence for 11 years.

Calling hours will be held at Dewhirst & Conte Funeral Home, 17 Third Street, North Andover, on Sunday, August 10th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mr. Sullivan at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 11th, at St. Michael Church, 196 Main Street, North Andover. Following the Mass, interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in North Andover.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Michael Parish, 196 Main Street, North Andover, MA 01845. Online condolences can be sent:

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