Donald A. Sullivan

1931 - 2015

NORTHAMPTON - Donald A. Sullivan, 84, a lifelong resident of Northampton, passed away Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015.

He was born July 4, 1931, to the late Donald D. and Margaret (Sullivan) Sullivan. Don graduated from Northampton High School in 1948. He was a standout athlete, earning varsity letters in baseball, football, and as captain of the basketball team. Don later attended Cushing Academy in Ashburnham and went on to earn his business degree from the same institution as his father, the University of Notre Dame. Don was a lifelong supporter of the Fighting Irish. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army from 1953 to '55, stationed in Berlin, Germany, during the Korean War, earning the rank Specialist Third Class. 

Don was the third generation to join D.A. Sullivan & Sons, Inc., the family general contracting business which was founded by his grandfather in Northampton in 1897. He worked for 59 years as director, vice president and president, during which time the company completed numerous projects throughout New England - including work at the University of Massachusetts, area K to 12 schools, banks, housing complexes and municipal facilities.

Sullivan was also active in the community. He belonged to the Jaycees, Rotary Club, and was a life member of the Northampton Elks Lodge. He was a director and former president of the Three County Fair Association, trustee of the former Nonotuck Savings Bank, Incorporator of the former Bank of Western Massachusetts and a director of the former Springfield Institution for Savings. He was a director of the Construction Industry Association, a director of Local Carpenters #108 H&W Funds and a director of Local Laborers #596 H&W Funds.

Don married his wife, Joan McGrath, in 1957, and they raised their five children in the Blackberry Lane neighborhood of Northampton. The close-knit neighborhood created friendships that have continued for generations.

Don became a member of the Northampton Country Club in 1950 where he formed lifelong friendships and developed a passion for the game of golf (and a skill for holes-in-one - 5). He enjoyed the camaraderie of a large circle of friends, and looked forward to spending winters with them in Cape Coral, Florida. The warmer months would find him at the family cottage at Pine Island Lake in Westhampton, where Don enjoyed hosting gatherings and holiday celebrations. 

Papoo, as he was named by his first grandchild, was a devoted grandfather and his grandkids' biggest fan. He was always the first to know the outcomes of their sporting events, and kept abreast of upcoming meets, games and matches. He took great pride in all of their academic accomplishments, and attended college graduations across the country.

His last years were blessed by the companionship of Ann Driscoll of Florence, and her family. He is predeceased by his infant daughters, Mary Frances and Ann Elizabeth, and by his wife of 37 years, Joan. Don is survived by his five children, Kathleen Sullivan of Quincy, Sheila Fleming and her husband John, Dennis Sullivan and his wife Karen, Mark Sullivan and his wife Robbie, and Neil Sullivan and his wife Andrea, all of Northampton; his 13 grandchildren, Erin, Grace, Griffin, Johanna, Julia, Alex, Andrew, Joni, Kerry, Liam, Kate, Jack and Allison; his brother Richard Sullivan and his wife Edie of Westfield; his sister-in-law Dotty Washburn and her husband John of San Diego, California; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The funeral will be Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. from the Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in Northampton. Burial will follow at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Northampton. Calling hours will be Tuesday, Dec. 22, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Northampton Dollars for Scholars and mailed to P.O. Box 60382, Florence, MA 01062-0382 or donations can be made online at scholarshipamerica.org for a scholarship to be established in the name of Donald Sullivan.

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