Phillip M. Sullivan

Phillip M. Sullivan, 77, of South Orleans, MA passed away May 2, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carolyn (Ellison) Sullivan, his son, Phillip M. Sullivan, Jr. of Newton, MA, his daughter and son in law Andrea J. Sullivan and Thomas Salomone, three grandchildren, Briana, Thomas and Alexandra Salomone, all of North Brunswick, NJ, a sister and brother in law, Briana and Garland (Bud) Gray of Danvers, MA, a brother Robert G. Sullivan, of Carson City, NV, sisters and brothers in law Elinor and Jack O'Neil of Boca Raton, FL, Robert and Ann Marie Ellison of Orange, MA and Clare Ellison of Naples, FL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents William J. and Eleanor R. Sullivan, aDd his brothers, William, Michael and Richard Sullivan. Phil graduated from St. John's Prep in1950 and received his bachelor's degree from Salem Teachers College in 1954. He subsequently earned his M.B.A. from Boston University. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1958 where he retired with the rank of Captain. He was honored with a Letter of Appreciation and the National Defense Service Medal Upon his discharge from the Marine Corps, Phil began his thirty year career with the First National Bank of Boston from which he t:etired as Senior Vice President in charge of Mergers & Acquisitions. During his tenure at the Bank, he served as interim President and Director of 16 subsidiary banks throughout New England. Throughout his impressive career, he earned many honors. He was named to Who's Who in Banking (1967); elected one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in Boston, (1969); appointed Chairman of the Governor's Task Force on Public Financing of the Arts and Humanities in Massachusetts (1979-81); nominated by Governor Edward J. King to be a founding Trustee of the Massachusetts College of Art when higher education was reorganized in 1981; he was reappointed by Governor Michael S. Dukakis and served seven years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and was a Founder, Director and Treasurer of the International Society of Appraisers (Chicago), the nation's largest personal property appraisal group. In 2004, he was awarded the Salem State College Distinguished Alumnus Award. Phil was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Feehan General Assembly 009401, where he has served as Faithful Navigator and Faithful Admiral He also has been an active member of the Marine Corps League, where he has served as an officer at the local and statewide levels. In 2008, he received a Certificate of Appreciation for his service as Adjutant, Cape & Islands Detachment 955 and the Meritorious Commendation award. In 2009, he received the Distinguished Citizen award from the Department of Massachusetts. He is also one of the pre eminent collectors of Buffalo Pottery and speaker at many pottery and willow ware conventions. He has authored several price guides on Buffalo Pottery and willow ware. His collection of willow ware was the subject of an article in Forbes Magazine, May 1994 and Warman's Collectibles, November 1999. Since 1990 he has been a member of the Rushlight Club, America's largest group devoted exclusively to the study of early historic lighting devices.. He served two terms as President and member of the Board of Governors. His personal collection of nautical lighting has been acclaimed as the finest in the country. His visitation was held on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. in the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA. His Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joan of Arc Church, Canal Road, Orleans, followed by his burial in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA at 1:30 p.m. Memorial Donations may be made in his memory to Salem State College, Class of 1954, 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970 or to the Orleans Fire and Rescue, 58 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653. For more information and online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com