Charles M. Sullivan Jr.

Charles M. Sullivan, Jr. of Vernon (CT), cherished husband, father and grandfather, died from treatment complications during his resolute fight against acute myeloid leukemia surrounded by family on August 14, 2022. Charles was born on May 3, 1943, in Cambridge, MA, son of the late Dorothy (Shea) and Charles M. Sullivan. He grew up in New Haven, graduated from Hill House High School, attended the University of Connecticut and served in the U.S. Army reserves. Charles married his love Claudia Barbera in 1966 and they settled in Vernon where they lived for over 50 years. An entrepreneur at heart, Charles owned and operated the Charles Sullivan Insurance agency and the Wet Pets Aquarium Shoppe. Charles loved life and was always busy. One might find him sailing the waters of Maine or Long Island Sound, chopping firewood, or planning and packing for his next family vacation. With his interests on the ocean and in the woods, Charles was a member of the Manchester Power Squadron, the Westerly Yacht Club, and the Rockville Fish & Game Club. He leaves his wife Claudia; his son Sean Sullivan; his daughter Cara Sullivan, her husband William Wencil Jr. and Charles' treasured grandson, Zlatan; his brothers Kevin Sullivan (predeceased); and James Sullivan, his son Kevin Sullivan, daughter Kelli, her husband Michael Niro and their son Ryan; sisters Deidre Sullivan (predeceased); Sheila Ticknor; Tara and husband David Diercks; his sister-in-law Norma Barbera, her daughter Vonnie and husband Bob Baker; his sister-in-law Shirley and predeceased husband Jack Barbera, and their sons, Todd Barbera, his wife Heidi Herlihy and daughters Emma and Bella (from prior marriage), Bryan Barbera, his wife Okon Hwang and their son Brant and daughter Lorin; and Charles' many friends. A Roman Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, 11 a.m., meeting directly at Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard's Terrace, Vernon. Burial will follow with Military Honors at St. Bernard Cemetery in Vernon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home in Vernon has care of the arrangements. For online condolences please send to charlesmsullivanjr@gmail.com.