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Timothy F. O'Sullivan
Timothy F. O'Sullivan
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Timothy O'Sullivan Obituary
Tim O'Sullivan remembers going to his father's office at the Bronx Zoo one night as a child and discovering that his father knew the night janitor's entire family by their first names. When the son expressed amazement, his father said, "Here at the zoo, we have tremendous scientific minds, but what good would they be if they were buried up to their necks in wastepaper?"
His father, Timothy F. O'Sullivan, who was 68, worked as a personnel manager, then as an administrator and specialist in labor relations at the Wildlife Conservation Society. His success as a negotiator, his children believe, stemmed from his ability to make everyone he encountered feel like the only person on the planet and from an unshakable respect for working folks.
He was 6-feet-7 and had stood eye-to-eye with an elephant. He loved military history, jokes and Geraldine, his wife of 43 years, whom he met at a St. Patrick's Day firemen's dance in the Bronx. After he retired and moved to the Poconos ‹ "just me and my girl," he would say ‹ he worked as a consultant to the Cultural Institutions Retirement System, commuting one day every six to eight weeks to the trade center.
"What did somebody say to me?" Mr. O'Sullivan's daughter, Denise, said recently, alluding to where her father would be headed next. " 'There's nobody better to lead the other 5,000 in ‹ to negotiate their way in.' "
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Greg Dunne
September 10, 2024
Mr. O. I think of you often but particularly on this date. My emotions are conflicted. On the one hand is anger. Intense anger. On the other is the fond memory of you and how grateful I am for having experienced your kindness and compassion, knowing that was your nature and experienced by many, many others. I know which emotion you would encourage, but the former is so hard to ignore. I struggle to make sense of it all and why God would take you from us on that day, in that way. I finally figured it out. He needed you at shepherd and comfort the others who he also called on that tragic day. Who better to do that? Thanks again, Sir and May God keep you in the palm of his hand.
Greg Dunne
September 11, 2023
Mr. O. I remember you often but particularly on this day and St. Patrick’s Day. I have never forgotten, nor will I ever forget, your compassion, wisdom, reasoning and generous nature. You continue to be an inspiration to me and I am both fortunate and grateful for having had the opportunity to benefit from your guidance and friendship. Thank you, Sir.
Guild Fetridge
May 3, 2023
I remember Tim during my work years at Otis Elevator Company in Yonkers, NY. in the Personnel Department. I admired him so much, and we stayed in touch years after I left. I miss him a lot!
Greg Dunne
September 11, 2022
Mr.O, while I often smile when thinking and speaking of you, my emotions tend to get the best of me on this day. I am so fortunate for having had the opportunity to know you and benefit from your kindness and wisdom. There is no doubt that God continues to hold you in the palm of His hand. Thank you for being you, a one of a kind fine Irish gentleman.
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Margaret Of Bronx Zoo Personnel Office
August 31, 2021
I entered a longer salute to Mr. O just a moment ago here, but I have to say I read the 70 plus notes here and am heart- touched to say warm Hug n hello to Denise Sh now Denise F and also Donna. We know what Denise said- about Mr. O being the best boss in our funny little office in the Admin Bldg.
Peace to all. * I miss n love my time there, beside you, Denise. Life goes on, but we had real touching times of growth there together. I even wish well to MaryA. Hope life has been kind to my funny coworkers n pals!
Margaret. It is ok to include my email!
( [email protected]).
Margaret of Bronx Zoo " Personnel" office
August 31, 2021
I know what a big angel Mr. O was just walking around us in the Zoo in normal days. What an amazing, smiling, king, forgiving, energy bundle of an Irishman with a twinkle in the eye. I feel like I think of him every few days always, even 20 years on. Hi Denise, if that is you on this message board, Denise of Personnel and also Denise the loving daughter of Mr. O. I knew I was in the presence of greatness back in the zoo days. He earned the titles, "Saint and angel" on 9/11. Peace to all. Always in my heart for real! Margaret B of Personnel Office
Donna Borchers
September 12, 2020
Always in my prayers, Donna
Denise Frullo
September 12, 2020
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time of year. I remember my days working in the Bronx Zoo HR Dept. fondly. Your kindness and laughter will always be remembered. You were, and always will be my favorite boss. Rest In Peace, sir.
Greg Dunne
September 11, 2020
I think of you often but particularly today. The positive influence that you had on me is profound. I am a better person for having had the opportunity to meet you and benefit from your sound counsel. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. May God bless you and your family.
Donna Borchers
September 11, 2019
Dear Mr. O'Sullivan, You will never be forgotten for your kindness and wonderful personality. I will always pray for you! I hope you are in a better place than we are! fondly, Donna Mastrangelo-Borchers
Gregory Dunne
September 11, 2019
Thinking of you on this day as I do on many others. I will host a pint in your honor and memory this evening. I am eternally grateful for having the opportunity and good fortune to have known you and experienced the benefit of your kindness and wisdom.
Vivian Galligan
September 10, 2019
My husband was in professional associations with Tim. John admired Tim greatly. We always enjoyed his company.
Greg Dunne
March 17, 2019
Mr. O'Sullivan,
I am remembering you on this special day when, this evening, the Guinness will flow in your honor. "When I count my blessings, I count you twice". May God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand. Thank you, sir.
Denise Frullo
September 12, 2018
Sending ❤ and prayers to you in Heaven. Remembering your kindness today and always during my time at The Bronx Zoo.
Donna Mastrangelo-Borchers
September 11, 2018
Wherever you are, Mr. O'Sullivan, please know that I still pray for you each night. I know your wonderful kind spirit will never die.
Greg Dunne
September 11, 2018
Dear Mr. O'Sullivan, Thank you for being so prevalent in my memory. You made such a positive influence on me and I frequently think of you, particularly when faced with challenge and difficult decisions. You always displayed such calm, rational and reasoned analysis of situations and circumstance. Today I celebrate Seamus's birthday and my fond memories of you. Per you request I continue to "do something nice for and Irishman"! God Bless you sir.
GREG Dunne
March 17, 2018
Mr. O, Saint Patrick's Day is exceptionally special to me because I was so fortunate to have had the mentoring, friendship and genuine concern of an extraordinary Irishman - You! I will spend the day with Seamus O'Sullivan while remembering you. This evening, I will adjourn to Paddy's Irish Pub, where I will again engage in my annual tradition of hoisting a pint in your honor and sharing my memories of you. I will celebrate my good fortune for having had you in my life and the positive influence you had on me and so many others. The Heavens are brighter because of your presence. Slainte.
Roger Day
February 28, 2018
I went to St. Nicholas of Tolentine high school with Tim. He was the smartest & nicest guy in school.If I make to heaven I hope Timmy will show me around .
Roger Day
[email protected]
Meghan
September 11, 2017
Dear Tim,
'Tis' the youngest child of your friend, Fred Sullivan, here. Your loss is still felt by all of us but not nearly as much as we feel the light of your presence from all the years you honored us with your greatness! We have never forgotten your loss but most importantly, we have never forgotten the magnitude of your life and the frienship, peace and joy you provided to so many.
September 11, 2017
Dear Mr. O'Sulivan, I still include you and your family in my morning and evening prayers. Wherever you are, please know that you left a lasting impression on many people! If possible put in a good word for me to God. I could use some prayers myself these days! May God keep you near Him and may he also protect your loved ones left behind. Sincerely, Donna Mastrangelo-Borchers
Denise Frullo
September 11, 2017
Thinking of you and your family today, Mr. O'Sullivan. I will always remember your warm smile and kind voice at The NY Zoological Society. Your hearty laugh was always so infectious and made the HR Dept. such a wonderful place to work! Rest In Peace.
Greg Dunne
September 10, 2017
Mr. O'Sullivan. I am writing my remembrance a day early this year, as Hurricane Irma will be here tomorrow and electrical power may be an issue. I think of you often and am forever grateful for having had the honor of knowing you. Seamus O'Sullivan will be four tomorrow. He is a fine, handsome Irishman, just like his namesake. I will again hoist a pint in your honor tomorrow sir. "May God hold you in the palm of his hand".
Priscilla Goss
May 4, 2017
Today, May 4, 2017, I am remembering Timothy O'Sullivan in a somewhat unusual manner. Tim was a member of American Management Association and frequently attended member meetings. When I joined AMA as HR Director in 1981 and attended my first such meeting, I will never forget Tim standing up and imitating a gorilla with both physical and vocal renditions, followed by a hearty laugh! With his 6' 7" frame, it was quite a sight to behold. He was such a delightful, jovial individual. In June, I will be visiting the World Trade Center Memorial and plan to find Tim's name on the wall. Thank you, Tim, for shining a bright light on this world. You will always be remembered.
Greg Dunne
March 17, 2017
I am thinking of you, Mr. O'Sullivan, on this Saint Patrick's Day. I am confident that, as the personnel manager of the Pearly Gates Chapter of the Heavenly Irish Guild, you are enjoying a pint as much as I have enjoyed the one I hoised in your honor. May God continue to bless you sir and thank you again for your confidence and counsel. Slainte.
Michele Janatsch
September 11, 2016
My father knew Tim very well, they worked together at the zoo. He thought so highly of him and was completely heartbroken that Tim was taken from this world like this. We will always remember.
Denise Frullo (Sheehan)
September 9, 2016
Thinking of you as I always do this time of year, Mr. O'Sullivan. You were the kindest boss I ever had. I wish your family strength and pray for you always.
Greg Dunne
September 7, 2016
Mister O'Sullivan, I think of you often and acknowledge the positive impact you have had on my life. I have been fortunate enough to experience many of life's successes and to have the benefit of counsel from some very accomplished individuals in my military and civilian careers. None of them have had the effect on me that you have. Your caring, compassion. concern for the welfare of others and genuine empathy for their plight was inspiring to all who had the pleasure. opportunity and honor to meet you. Like all others who knew you. I mourn your loss and I miss you. While he never met you. he knows all about you and Seamus misses you too! I am writing this early this year because I will not be available to do so on 9/11. However, I will be able to hoist a pint in your honor on that day and will be proud to announce a toast in your honor as I do so. I love you sir. Rest in peace.
S J. Friscia III
October 15, 2015
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Donna Borchers
September 12, 2015
It's me again, Mr. O'Sullivan, or "Father Tim" as you were so well known as at The Bronx Zoo. Everyone loved you there. I'm sure so many people miss your effervescent personality. I hope wherever you are that you are able to feel the love of those missing you. So much has changed here since you left. You were the kindest man I ever met, dear Sir.
Greg Dunne
September 11, 2015
Mister O'Sullivan, I remember you often with reverence and great respect. You hold a unique place in my mind and heart, as you have played a significant role and made an incredibly positive difference in my life. I am saddened by the events o 9/11/01 but significantly more so on the anniversary date. Your picture on this memorial site is just as I remember you - always positive and smiling. I often hear your voice in my mind, inspiring me to defeat adversity, think positively and to "do something nice for an Irishman".
I hope that your family receives some solace knowing how respected, appreciated and loved you were and remain to this day.
My day will be interrupted with positive, loving thoughts of you. Thank you, again, for your caring, concern, compassion and guidance.
This evening, I will hoist a pint in your honor and share a sip with my canine companion, Seamus O'Sullivan who is my most handsome Irish Setter, named in your honor. His birthday is today, a coincidence I can not ignore.
May God bless you and your family.
Donna Borchers
September 12, 2014
Still praying for you and your loving family, Mr. O'Sullivan.
Greg Dunne
September 11, 2014
Mister O'Sullivan, I think of you often. I hear the soft, sincere and reassuring words of wisdom that you often imparted on me and so many others. I have spoken of you often and occasionally hoist a pint towards the heavens in your honor, especially on St. Patrick's Day! Last November, I purchased a beautiful mahogany Irish Setter. I named him Seamus O'Sullivan in your honor. He draws comments wherever we go and when I respond to questions regarding his name, I am asked "where does the O'Sullivan come from", since it is not my last name. That gives me the opening and opportunity to share my memories of you to perfect strangers. All of my friends already know of you and your positive influence on my life. Seamus O'Sullivan reminds me of you every day. Coincidentally, he was born on 9/11/13. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Donna Borchers
September 12, 2013
Still sad that you are gone. Still pray for you and your family very ninght too. God bless you!
Daniel Sullivan
September 11, 2013
Still thinking of you Tim...Thank you for getting me off that garbage truck in Otis and into Engineering......
Dan Sullivan..Senior Engineer,Otis Elevator Co. Bloomington, Indiana....51 years and still working..Thank you Sir!!!
Janet McGowan
September 11, 2013
Dear Geraldine, we were 1954 graduates together, and it is only now I have learned of your terrible loss on that horrible day. You will always be in my prayers.
Greg Dunne
September 10, 2013
Mr. O'Sullivan,
As I do often, I am remembering you on the eve of the 12th anniversary of that horrific day. You taught me so much more than the course curriculum when you were my professor at Stony Brook. I am a better person for having had the opportunity to experience your wisdom and kindness. You made such a difference to so many while with us and I will always be grateful for your counsel. I would say "God Bless You" sir, but I am certain he has done that many times over. In fact, he blessed us with you.
Christian Stepien
September 11, 2011
May your loving family find peace on this day.
September 9, 2011
Thinking of you today Tim as we approach the 10th anniversary. Rest in Peace.
Daniel Sullivan
July 27, 2011
I am entering my 50th year with Otis Elevator Company. I just heard Tim had died at the twin towers. I started as a garbage truck driver in Yonkers,NY. I was about to be laid off when Tim found a position for me operating a copier machine in Engineering. I started school and stayed on with Otis as an Electrical Engineer. Tim always remembered my name. I felt special. Found out later he remembered everybody's name. Then again I think everyone was special to Tim. What a great guy...Nice meeting you Tim !!!!!
Donna Borchers
March 20, 2011
Still praying for you Mr. O'Sullivan! Rest in Peace!
Donna Borchers
December 1, 2010
I still pray for you Mr. O'Sullivan!
Donna Borchers
September 12, 2008
Another year has passed and it seems like only yesterday that this dreadful event occurred. You are sorely missed "Father Tim".
God Bless you wherever you are!
Donna Mastrangelo-Borchers
Christian Stepien
September 11, 2008
Talked to our 5 year old today about my visits to the Bronx Zoo and all the fun we had! Chatted with my dad, Ed, about you too!
Donna Borchers
February 18, 2008
You remain in my prayers each night along with all the others who passed that dreadful day. Peace to you and yours.
P Tabbernor
January 19, 2007
In memory....
Kristine
November 2, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Paul and Meg Carpenito ( Choir )
September 13, 2006
We remember Mr O'Sullivan and his wife attending Mass faithfully at Our Lady Queen Of Peace Church In Gilbert Pa. They sat together in the front row. We both still see them in spirit each time we look in that front bench.
Vickie
August 31, 2006
My thoughts go out to your family I was a firefighter serving 9\11 and have since moved to PA. I often just sit and think about that awful day and how all of the families felt and my heart goes out to you and yours.
Donna Mastrangelo-Borchers
August 26, 2006
Time does not heal the wounds from the events of 9/11/01. We must not forget those who suffered that day. The world is a dangerous place now and will never be the same. God bless Timothy O'Sullivan. I hope you are in a better place than we are!
Donna Mastrangelo-Borchers
September 11, 2005
It's been 4 years now....and life goes on but although memories fade one memory will not go away and that is the memory of 9/11. May your memory and the memory of all those who were murdered that day remain in the hearts and minds of all Americans.
God Bless You, Timothy!
John Rosa
September 11, 2003
I worked in the Bronx Zoo for 14 years and I had the honor to know Timothy O'Sullivan,a soft spoken
giant of a man.
Psalm 116:15-Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saint.
Liz Mingeram
September 11, 2003
"Timmy O"
My first Summer Job at the
Bronx Zoo early 70's. I was 14 when I first met Tim. He believed in me and gave the joy of allowing my growth and the pleasure of 20 years to teach young people every year that they could also grow to be sucessful and happy.
When my mom passed on I brought my Uncle to the zoo. Tim was narrating a tour of special V.I.P.s, had the train stop, dramaticaly he spoke to the tour, pointing in our direction. Leaving them wide mouthed
he came right over to my uncle, took his hand generously and said he told the tour we were famous scientist just back from a jungle exploration. Tim always made me smile, he had a way of not letting
you feel bad. Thanks "Timmy O"
Liz
Brooke Grafton
September 11, 2003
I have the pleasure of knowing Timothy's daughter Denise. She is an angel to everyone she meets, and her heart is made of gold.
I did not know Timothy, but can imagine he was and is every bit of an angel just like his daughter.
May he rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire O'Sullivan family.
Richard Balzano
June 11, 2003
I knew Tim and we attended many CIG and CIRS meetings together. He was at once, warm, considerate and caring with an interesting story to tell. When ever I pass ground zero I think of him. He will be missed.
Donna Mastrangelo-Borchers
September 20, 2002
I worked in the Personnel Office for the Bronx Zoo for 13 years and during that time had the pleasure of having Mr. O'Sullivan as my boss. He was the kindest, most caring person I have yet to meet in my life. People used to comment that he should have been a priest because he projected the image of one so good. I had the pleasure of meeting his three children, Denise, Suzanne and Timothy, Jr. and they were just as nice and kind as he was. I remember one day while I was at work Mr. O'Sullivan came into the office and said, "You look stressed sweet lady, stop what you are doing and go take a walk through the park". He also gave me and the other girl in the office a day off to do Christmas shopping every year. That was the type of person he was, considerate of others. I was devastated by the thought of his death and I will remember him always. I would like very much to hear from Denice, Suzanne or Timothy, Jr. so if anyone knows their numbers please let me know. My email address is [email protected] May God bless and keep Mr. O'Sullivan as happy as he was here on Earth and I will continue to pray for his wonderful family.
Donna Mastrangelo - Borchers
Joyce Vincent
September 12, 2002
I worked at the Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo) for 8 years and saw Tim frequently. He was a giant of a man with the tenderest of hearts. He always had a kind word and warm smile and, of course, a joke to share. You always felt special in his presence.
As a former New Yorker, I watched in complete disbelief as I saw buildings I'd been in countless times over the years come crashing down. The pain I felt for those trapped inside was overwhelming enough to bear, but when a face and name was attached to such devistation, it was more than my heart could bear.
I've thought of Tim often this past year and I can still hear his voice saying, "Good morning lovely lady, and how are you this fair day?" A dear and special person.
God bless his family and all those coping with his loss. There is comfort in knowing that he is now negotiating bigger deals and watching over all of us.
Sally McGovern
September 11, 2002
When first I saw Timothy O'Sullivan's photograph with "his" elephant I was startled because he looked so much like my uncle Gene Sullivan from Chicago. Timothy has become the face of September 11 for me. I pray for him and his family every day; 3,000 is too big a number for me, but I can pray for one and through him for the others. And so, I do. God bless.
Annette Jeremia (Aj)
September 11, 2002
Mr. O thats what everyone called him. He was the a big man with a big heart. You could talk to him about anything. You will be missed and when I walk around the Zoo I think of all the laughs we had the passed 20 years I have and still work here. God Bless You Mr. O. I know you are telling jokes in the sky. Miss you aj
Sally Stahlecker
September 7, 2002
Timothy O'Sullivan was a great friend of my Father's. My Father Thomas Donnelly worked for the Brooklyn Museum. They had a mutual admiration for each other. Daddy being the great Irishman he was loved to spend time with another great Irishman. When my Mother died 20 years ago Timothy was there at the wake introducing himself as Tom's illegitimate son and with his arm around me as my half brother. He told me he respected my Father so much and wanted to be a part of his family. When my Father died ten years later, Timothy was there again at Daddy's memorial service which was held at the World Trade Center at the CIRS office. A luncheon was held at the restaurant for a select few. He gave a moving toast to Daddy, my family will always remember his kind words. That was the last time I saw Mr. Sullivan but I will always hold a fondness for him and his larger than life personality. My prayers go out to his family.
Angie & Tony Clement
August 22, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the ones that you left behind on the morning of September 11, 2001. You will never be forgotten!!!! Rest in peace forever more..........
Charley Hruska
June 16, 2002
Tim was one of the few people I ever met who knew more jokes than I did, and who told them all better. No one I ever knew appreciated the way in which humor "greases" personal relations or used it to greater effect. He is surely missed and there is no one to take his place. But I'm sure there is laughter in heaven with Tim there.
Monte Wasch
May 5, 2002
I first knew Tim O'Sullivan when I was a union rep for District Council 37 and represented the Cultural Institutions locals in negotiations. While Tim was management, it was obvious that he felt strongly that his workers should get a fair deal from the City and the Zoo.
A few years later, during the fiscal crisis of the late '70s, I was a negotiator for management, as an Assistant Director of Labor Relations for the City, and Tim was on my side of the table now. I learned that this was no advantage: now I had to take the full brunt of his charm and zeal in defending the Zoo's employees.
I had not seen Tim in over 20 years, but his death brought back the memory of a gentleman from whom I learned a great lesson: no matter on what side you sit, you can't go wrong if you're fair and just.
Monte Wasch
May 5, 2002
I first knew Tim O'Sullivan when I was a union rep for District Council 37 and represented the Cultural Institutions locals in negotiations. While Tim was management, it was obvious that he felt strongly that his workers should get a fair deal from the City and the Zoo.
A few years later, during the fiscal crisis of the late '70s, I was a negotiator for management, as an Assistant Director of Labor Relations for the City, and Tim was on my side of the table now. I learned that this was no advantage: now I had to take the full brunt of his charm and zeal in defending the Zoo's employees.
I had not seen Tim in over 20 years, but his death brought back the memory of a gentleman from whom I learned a great lesson: no matter on what side you sit, you can't go wrong if you're fair and just.
Gene Taylor
April 25, 2002
"Father Tim, You've gotta believe"
AZA Management School 1995/1996
Thanks for your opening inspiration remarks to Zoo and Aquarium Professionals, we can be so luck to be a leader such as yourself.
"you've gotta believe"
Gene Taylor
National Aquarium in Baltimore
March 18, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN...TIMOTHY F. O'SULLIVAN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE ..FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...MAY JESUS AND ST.TIMOTHY AND ST.PATRICK GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Carol Bouton
January 29, 2002
Two weeks after the attack I went, alone, to the World Trade Center. I had watched it be built and needed to digest the reality of it all. While in transit at Times Square I looked at the many pictures of the missing. I was heartbroken to see Tim O'Sullivan's smiling face peering out from a poster. I knew he worked for the Bronx Zoo so the elephant in the photo was the sad proof it was him. My daughter Kerry attended Sts. Peter and Paul with Tim Jr. and I saw Tim Sr. at Fleetwood Pharmacy all the time. What a great presence and always smiling man. Rest in Peace Tim.
Tom McGourty
January 29, 2002
I was a classmate of Tim's at St. Nicholas of Tolentine High School. I will always remember his sweep of all academic prizes at high school graduation, I was happy to have graduated.
Bill Addy, another classmate, informed me of his tragic passing and was kind enough to share a copy of the brochure which was distributed at his memorial service.
I will always remember his large presence, his easy smile, good humor and gracious being. Like Tim, my wife and I moved after working to the Poconos now living six months per year in Lakeville, Pennsylvania and six months in Fort Myers, Florida.
I only wish I hadn't lost touch with Tim as I am sure his friendship would have endured forever.
My wife and I wish his family peace and some measure of satisfaction in knowing Tim was so loved my so many people and had such impact even on someone who hadn't seen him in 50 years.
Tom McGourty
Rod Davis
January 16, 2002
We never knew Tim, but we know and love Denise and our hearts ache for her. Shakespeare got it wrong when he wrote that the "good is oft interred with their bones," because Denise is living proof of the good that Tim left behind.
Tim, we're sorry we never knew you. You must have been one helluva guy because you raised one helluva gal.
Love,
Rod/Barry/Alan/Graham/Chuck/Robin/Ken/Gary/Gerald
Mike Deblieux
January 13, 2002
The world has lost a wonderful teacher. I knew Timothy O'Sullivan only briefly as a Co-Course Leader with the American Management Association. It was an honor to share the platform with him. His love for life, family and sharing know no equal. May this wonderful man rest in peace. May his family live in the shadow of his warmth and the magnitude of his wonderful presence.
Jack Krauskopf
January 8, 2002
Tim was a wonderful, caring presence at the Cultural Institutions Retirement System. He made us all feel good being there, and he got many important things done, seemingly without great effort. A smile, a joke, and that warmth that will be so missed.
Teresa Jahn
December 17, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Timothy. May his life and love live on through his family. What a wonderful love story about Timothy and his wife of 43 years, Geraldine. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Joseph Webb
November 25, 2001
Tim was the first boss who mattered in my career. Irish to the core, he would always say his name was "Timothy Francis PATRICK O'Sullivan," like that could make him even more Irish, though he was already way off the Irishness scale, by a lot. His physical size was only dwarfed by his personality. I first came to know him when he became my mother's boss at Manhattan College's personnel department in 1969 or somewhere around that. He moved to the Bronx Zoo's personnel department in 1973, and I started to work with him in 1976. He was at the zoo at a very difficult time, when NYC was having its famous budget crisis of the 1970s. The bill for former mayor Lindsay's social programs was dropped in mayor Abe Beame's lap, forcing many many hard budgetary decisions. Tim would spend a lot of time in the city offices trying to get them to save job positions at the zoo and save the institution's funding. He was instrumental in getting all of the cultural institutions together to gang up on the city budget office and fight for their funding, the first time they had acted in concert. He dealt with unions and working people all the time. The union folks would know him as a pain in the neck negotiating, but I always saw him with the executives when the union guys weren't around, and he would stand up for their needs, looking for the best way to keep the union folks loyal and interested in the organization's cause, and making sure that they got their due respect for their work. (He would tell a story that when he was at Otis Elevator, where he first worked in the personnel when they were headquartered in Yonkers; after the union negotiations were over it was important to be in the photograph with the union officials. While they would be tightening their ties, fixing their collars, combing their hair, Tim would open his shirt, loosen his tie, making sure it was crooked in the right way, and mess up his hair, so it would look like the union had worked him and the company over and had gotten the best of what must have been difficult negotiations).
He befriended many a city official with his relentless stories about growing up Irish (we were so poor that there were nights we had "bacon and point"-- we would put the bacon in the middle of the table, and point our potatoes at it; or; some nights were good, because we had "bacon and rub," where we were allowed to rub our potatoes on the slab of bacon; or his favorite: when God was creating the world, he tipped over his bucket of talents and they all fell on Ireland; God said that it was not fair that one race of people be so endowed because they would take over the world; it was then that God created "the drink" to slow them down so that the world would be a more fair place to be; or his worst, that Adam and Eve were Irish because he looked at her and said "O'Hare" and she looked at him and said "O'Toole," which was as risque as his jokes got, at least that I knew of). He was particularly good at schmoozing up a crowd for every March 17, calling the officials in the city to get together for "the high holy day" of St. Patrick's.
Tim always encouraged me, and was the first to interest me in consulting (what did I know?-- I was 20-- but his desire to do it made me wonder what it was, and led to my pursuit of graduate work, and now have been consulting 15 years, thanks to Tim's inspiration). I saw how he handled people on phones and in person, and, as one intern who worked in my office told me "I notice that when anyone calls you tell them a joke or say something funny." That was Tim O'Sullivan's fault, I told her.
The last time I saw Tim was at my grandmother's wake in 1986, and he was as big and gregarious as ever, excited about tremendous turnaround in the zoo's financial fortunes and improved prospects of its future. Though I never would see him again, his generousity of spirit was always with me, and is now held more dear.
Jim Gillespie
October 21, 2001
Tim O'Sullivan had the knack of making you feel like you were the only one he cared about. From the smallest acknowledgement to the major helping hand he made you feel special and I think he felt everyone he knew was.
When I first met Tim back in the mid-seventies he told all of us at the Bronx zoo he was happy to be part of our special world. Little did we know the positive impact he would have on us and the zoo itself.
I thank him, I miss him and can't imagine the loss felt by his family, the ones he loved every day.
Jim Gillespie
Keeper
Queens Zoo
Peter Fitzgerald
October 18, 2001
I remember Timmy as Michael's big brother, rumored to be even brighter than Mike, who was the smartest kid in the class of 1957 at Tolentine. He was tall, cool, and classy and, by example, taught a lot of street kids what it meant to look good and be good. God rest his sweet Irish soul.
Peter Fitzgerald
Bill O'Brien
October 17, 2001
I haven't seen Timmy for 44 years but I remember him from the neighborhood in Tolentine, as a good guy.Timmy,be at peace.
Bill O'Brien
Michael Samuels
September 20, 2001
Timothy O’Sullivan was a strong proponent of the fantastic ability and choice of an individual to good or wrong with their life, and the accountability of that person to their choice. Mr. O’Sullivan was a great influence on my life and, I suspect, on the lives of many other people.
I met Mr. O’Sullivan over twenty years ago when he was an active force in my Mount Vernon, New York Boy Scout Troop (Troop 12). I was just a kid with unclear aspirations to a life in veterinary medicine. He encouraged me to follow my dreams and did all he could to help me on my way. Mr. O’Sullivan was an administrator at the Bronx Zoo, and he assisted me in gaining meaningful seasonal employment in the Zoological Park. He often offered guidance and encouragement, and always exhibited genuine interest in my progress. When the time came for me to apply to veterinary college, Mr. O’Sullivan contributed his recommendations. I was successful in becoming a DVM and try daily to live up to the ideals of good works in which Timothy O’Sullivan believed so strongly.
My story is probably just one of many. Mr. O’Sullivan has left a small piece of himself in me, and he lives on in the memories of those whose lives he has touched.
My family and I wish to express our condolences to the O’Sullivan Family and friends. I still remember my lessons of accountability to self.
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