Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Daniel Sullivan Obituary
Danny and his devoted wife of 60 years, Joanne (Osowiecki) Sullivan, have both been lifelong residents of Suffield. Danny was born in Hartford, Nov. 9, 1935, son of Marian (O'Malley) and Daniel Francis Sullivan. Danny was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Shirley (Sullivan) Wentworth.
In addition to his cherished wife, Joanne, Danny is survived by his five dedicated sons, Brian and his wife, Linda, Mark, Dan, David and his wife, Michelle, and Corey and his wife, Betsy. Danny's memory also lives on in his 12 loving grandchildren, Brian Patrick and his wife, Marisa, Josh, Kallie, Joe, Dan, Tara, Jamie, Sean, Eric, Katie, Robert, and McKenzie. Danny was adored by his two great-grandsons, Neil and Finian.
Danny graduated in 1953 from Suffield High School, where he earned 16 varsity letters in soccer, basketball, baseball, and track and field, along with serving as class president all four years. Danny then attended Wilbraham Academy in 1954, earning three varsity letters and the Sportsmanship Award and playing his way into Springfield College. At Springfield College, Danny played varsity soccer, basketball, and baseball, while earning his Bachelor of Science degree and master's in education. He played right halfback for the 1957 National Championship soccer team, and was selected for First Team All-New England and First Team All-American honors.
Danny leaves behind a dual legacy of family and service to his community, and will be remembered as a dear friend who did not know a stranger. Known affectionately to most as "Coach," he coached boy's soccer, basketball, and baseball and taught physical education and health at Windsor Locks High School from 1960 to 2000. He also coached Suffield Little League for 25 years and Suffield High School girl's basketball. He instilled in two full generations of players and students the values of good sportsmanship, effort, teamwork, respect, pride, and loyalty. Danny also served in the military as a medic in the 309th Medical Corps of the U.S. Army National Guard.
Good game, Coach. We love you, and take care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Suffield. Please meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Suffield.
Calling hours will be Thursday, Dec. 6 AND Friday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Daniel F. Sullivan, Jr. Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 770, Suffield, CT 06078.
For updated parking and shuttle transportation information and full service details visit
www.suffieldfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Sullivan
Wanda Haiche
June 1, 2024
"Mr. Sullivan" was an awesome favorite among us clueless WLHS kids back in the day. He was a grown-up who was not judgmental, not punitive, not appalled by silly teenage acting-out. He "got it" and was helpful and kind in getting us through "it." And he was a role model for us to emulate on our own journeys toward adulthood and citizenship. I have to wonder how much better-served our own youngsters would be if they had the quality of teachers and coaches we had back in the '50s and '60s.
John Sherman
December 1, 2020
Still remembered; still loved; and still. . .in the very near background. . .coaching. For all those valuable lessons learned--thanks. John Sherman
Louis Sharp
November 29, 2019
Loved Danny (Coach) not only the coach but a good friend!!!!!!
Louis Sharp
December 9, 2018
Deepest sympathy to you Joanne and the whole Sullivan family!!!!
Tom Sasali
December 9, 2018
My condolences to the Sullivan family. Dan was a great coach, mentor and counselor through my high school and college years. I will never forget all he did for me and so many others.
Cheryl (Hayes) Scott
December 8, 2018
Dear Joanne. My deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your husband. May the Lord continue to comfort you at this difficult time.
Rest in Heaven Danny.
Phil Devlin
December 8, 2018
"Coach Sullivan was a throwback to another era when three letters in three different sports was an athletic ideal and when one coach would coach major sports in three different seasons. He coached three sports in three different seasons longer and better than any coach in the history of Connecticut high school sports. The man won a total of 1,236 games in those three sports, including 7 state championships and countless conference titles. Scores of his athletes were All-State and even a few All-Americans. These achievements are amazing and will probably never be equaled. Who coaches three major sports anymore in the age of specialization? As a tactician, Coach Sullivan had few peers. Nobody was better as a game coach evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of an opponent as a game evolved and then coaching his athletes to attack perceived weaknesses with relentless aggression; in that regard, he was the George Patton of the coaching ranks. (Had he been a field general in the military during wartime, we would be reading books about him.) Beyond that, the outpouring of sympathy from former athletes and students is overwhelming and all seems to be a variation on one theme: The man changed my life. He was a practitioner of tough love in its best sensea demanding but fair taskmaster who commanded the respect of his athletes. Unfortunately, this brand of coaching is severely frowned upon lately in the age of self esteem, making it unlikely that we will ever see his kind again. That is too bad. Beyond the profound effect that Sully often had on the lives of his athletes, he was also our beloved inventor of hand soccer in gym class-- the best gym class activity ever devised by man! "
--Phil Devlin WLHS Class of 1971
Natalie Das
December 7, 2018
Our sympathy to you, Joanne, and the family. Dan was certainly a sports figure in our area and beyond. I can't imagine the number of young people whose lives he touched.
Coach Sullivan sharing stories with my Dad and some friends @ my grandmother's lake-front cabin in Coventry
Jonathan Magnani
December 7, 2018
Jonathan Magnani
December 7, 2018
Dear Joanne & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Coach Sullivan. He was a very wonderful man with a warm heart and an upbeat and friendly personality. He really cared for and did so much for his community as well as our family. I really enjoyed all the times we spent together at my grandmother's lake-front property in Coventry as well as the Christmas Parties at our house in Windsor Locks, especially all his stories. I am so glad to have gotten to know him through my dad. I really wish I could be there in person but know that my thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jonathan
David Kulas
December 7, 2018
To the Sullivan Family,
Sorry for your loss. Thankful for all of lives "Mr. Sullivan" touched and the positive impact that he made on so many. My sincere condolences.
Linda Hinson McGinnis
December 6, 2018
Joanne and family, So sorry for your loss. RIP Danny
Matt Wezowicz
December 6, 2018
Great teacher, coach and friend. Thank you for pushing us to always give the extra effort. You taught us the respect, honor and discipline to make us successful in our lives. Forever you will be remembered as Coach.
December 6, 2018
To the Sullivan family:
There are but three men who have had a profound influence on my fortunate life; Coach Sullivan was one. With love, John Sherman
Gayle Page Jagielski
December 6, 2018
Dearest Joanne,
Sweet memories of Fall on our street! Your front yard covered with pumpkins of all sizes & shapes with children jumping all around searching for their special pumpkin!!
Memories of those we love live forever in our hearts.
With sympathy,
Gayle
Paul and Lois Lodola
December 6, 2018
Dear Joanne and Family:
We are saddened to read about your loss.
We regret that we are unable to attend in person to express our sympathies.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Paul Lodola, Retired President
P.J. Lodola & Sons Inc
Joe Giannoccaro
December 6, 2018
Thanks coach, I enjoyed your toughness and kindness and it was pleasure playing for you. I was hoping hand soccer would become an Olympic sport. Prayers for the Sullivan family. RIP coach
Debra Aniello
December 6, 2018
I have no words to express my sorrow-the end of an era especially for my family. The back story relationship between Danny and Fran is one that only small town folks from The Locks and Suffield could truly understand. Danny coaching Fran at WLHS,then following on to Springfield College and from there Fran getting the job at Suffield The years of them coaching against each other, teacher and pupil were some of the best high school games, ever. The Sullivan boys grow and are now being coached by the pupil, playing against their dad and the finale is that the teacher returns home to coach under the pupil. You could not have hoped for a better ending for either of them. I will miss Danny so much but because I have a Daniel Francis of my own, I will remember him always. The Aniello family sends our love and prayers.
Steve Salvatore
December 6, 2018
My deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire Sullivan family. Coach was my Class of 74 yearbook hero. Rest in Peace Coach.
Edward Jagielski
December 6, 2018
Joann,
So sorry for your loss.
December 6, 2018
Joanie Sorry for you loss. Many years have pass since I last saw you guys but still thought of you and our times at G Fox.
Be strong
Mary Jane M Dance
Granby
Louis Sharp
December 5, 2018
RIP Coach great coach, often times more than a coach a good friend as well!!!
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Daniel Sullivan's name
Memorial Events
for Daniel Sullivan
Dec
6
Calling hours
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Heritage Funeral Home - West Suffield1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield, CT 06093
Dec
6
Calling hours
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Heritage Funeral Home - West Suffield1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield, CT 06093
Dec
7
Calling hours
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Heritage Funeral Home - West Suffield1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield, CT 06093
Dec
7
Calling hours
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Heritage Funeral Home - West Suffield1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield, CT 06093
Funeral services provided by:
Heritage Funeral Home - West Suffield1240 Mountain Road, West Suffield, CT 06093
How to support Daniel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Daniel Sullivan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
