Brian Lawrence Sullivan

In the early morning hours of Christmas Eve, Brian Sullivan, 56, of Schenectady, NY passed peacefully at his home accompanied by his wife Karen and daughter Lindsey. Brian was born to Edward and Carol Sullivan in Albany, NY in January 1965, the third of four children. In his childhood, Brian and his family spent summers at Thompson’s Lake and took trips across the Northeast. He was an altar server at St. Luke’s and graduated from Bishop Gibbons. During high school, Brian played the saxophone and traveled to Bermuda as a member of the band. Brian worked at Ellis Hospital as the Environmental Services Manager for several years. After work hours, Brian rocked at concerts, rolled at the lanes, and partied with family and friends. In February 1990, he married Karen and together raised their only daughter Lindsey. With a love for adventure, warm weather and the water, he traveled with Karen to many tropical destinations. This, and their desire for growth, led them to move their family to Jacksonville, FL where they remained for 25 years. A supportive stay-at-home parent, Brian volunteered at Lindsey’s grade school, helped her with countless projects, attended Girl Scouts meetings and sports events. He was the best cheerleader a daughter could ask for. He was also a dedicated husband to his wife who he supported through nursing school and other endeavors. Brian was a Renaissance Man. In his personal time, he enjoyed taking photographs, riding his bicycle, tending to his bonsai trees, finding sharks teeth on the beach, maintaining a beautifully landscaped yard, watching movies and learning new trades. Brian envisioned the family’s dream home in 2008 with his wife and completed many projects for it. Whatever Brian set his mind to, he did. He was a man of his word. In recent conversations, Brian shared that he wanted to be remembered for who he wasâ€" both giving and forgiving. His patience was unmatched and he loved unconditionally. He chose to live life fueled by empathy and hope. Brian is preceded in death by his mother Carol, sister Mary Alice, father Edward, and brother Danny. He is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Lindsey (Varun), brother Michael (Diane), mother-in-law Lee (Butch), aunts and uncle, nieces, nephews and cousins, and his pet companion, Houdini. A heartfelt thank you to Community Hospice and the friends and family who gave invaluable support at the home and afar. Friends and family will be received for a memorial mass to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 22nd at St. Luke’s Church. A celebration of life will follow at the Schenectady Veterans on Union St.