Timothy “Bill” Sullivan, 82, of Groton; It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Timothy W. Sullivan, on Tuesday September 23, 2025, at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London. Bill was born on December 28, 1942, in New York City to Catherine Houlihan Sullivan and John Sullivan. Bill married Penelope Wrighter, she survives him.
Bill taught English for 42 years at Montville High School and Norwich Free Academy. He always said, “Teaching is not my occupation, but my vocation.” He loved his students and his subject matter. Bill was known for his love of teaching Shakespeare, where his classes were highly sought after. His other love was coaching Girls’ and Boys’ High School basketball, where defense was his niche.
Besides his beloved wife of 51 years, Penny, he is survived by daughter, Shandon Foley and her husband Michael Foley Jr., grandchildren Corrine Foley and Julia Sjostedt, brother Joe Sullivan and his wife Margaret, brother-in-law Michael Wrighter, and nieces and nephews from the Sullivan and Wrighter families. He is predeceased by his son Shane, brothers Liam, Gene, and Johnn. He cherished all of his friendships, including the love of the Bilda family.
Bill had a unique gift for storytelling, complete with an Irish brogue. He enjoyed the laughter from his pranks and jokes. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Groton Congregational Church, 162 Monument in Groton, CT.
Donations can be made to Bill’s favorite charity in his memory, to St. Jude's Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Bill’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to the nurses on 5.4 and Davita for their kindness and compassion given to Bill.
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