John J. Sullivan

1942 - 2021

Sullivan, John J.
June 26, 1942 - February 21, 2021
John Jeremiah Sullivan III passed away in St. Augustine FL, with his loving family at his side. He was the son of the late John J. and Beatrice Sullivan. John had roots in Momauguin, Branford and New Haven, CT. He raised his family in Suffern, NY and after retirement, settled in St. Augustine, FL where family, warm weather and outdoor opportunities matched his spirit.
John was a standout football and All-District basketball player for Notre Dame High School, class of 1960. He led his team to the New England High School Playoffs on the parquet floor of The Boston Garden. After a post-grad year at The Choate School, he was awarded a basketball scholarship and joined the Jesuits at The College of the Holy Cross. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at the St. Anastasia Catholic Church. He enjoyed playing golf and tennis and was a member at the Atlantic Beach and Tennis Club as well as the St. Johns County Golf Club.
John enjoyed a life-long career with The Port Authority of New York. In 1993, he led colleagues down flights of smoke filled stairways to safety when the World Trade Center was first attacked.
John loved to golf and play tennis with his many friends and traveled the world with Diane. His greatest joy was watching his children and grandchildren, all gifted athletes, excel in their chosen sport. Not much could keep him away from the field or the court or the gridiron or the pool or the course or the arena.
He is survived by his loving wife Diane (Dilge) Sullivan, his son John J. (Carole) of St. Augustine FL, his sister Molly McDonald, and brother Thomas Sullivan, both of Branford, CT and 3 beloved grandchildren; Nicole Verrastro, and Jack and Sean Sullivan.
A memorial mass was held February 26 at St. Anastasia Church, St. Augustine, FL.