Eugene Francis Sullivan Jr.

In loving memory of Brigadier General (Ret.) USAFR Eugene Francis Sullivan Jr., 90, who died peacefully on Thursday, November 16, 2023. He was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to service and left an indelible mark on both military and civilian spheres. Gene was born in Hartford, CT, on August 4, 1933, son of the late Eugene Francis Sullivan Sr., and the late Mary (Murphy) Sullivan. He attended Our Lady of Sorrows Grammar school and graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1951. After graduation from high school, he took a job with an insurance company as an assistant to an underwriter and part time at a gas station to save money for college. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He completed basic training at Sampson AFB, Geneva, NY, was assigned to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, received a promotion to Corporal and chose to remain stateside to continue coursework in personnel management at Lowry AFB, Denver Colorado, opting out of Korea. His first duty assignment was the 1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron, Patrick AFB, Florida. In 1954, the 1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron was redesignated the 1st Tactical Missile Squadron and received orders to ship to Germany. He enjoyed his service at Bitburg AF Base, Germany from 1951-1956. Following his discharge, he returned to the US and joined the Air National Guard in 1957. He was promoted through the ranks with a distinguished career spanning two realms; he served his country with honor and after 40 years of reserve and active duty he retired in May, 1991 as Brigadier General. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1976 from the University of Hartford and was a graduate of the National Defense University Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington, DC. earning a MS in National Security and Strategic Studies. At the National Defense University, Gene traveled with a task force of Colonels to Air Force and Army facilities in Korea and Japan to inspect munitions storage facilities. Among his many military awards is Certificate of Appreciation in grateful recognition of his personal effort in support for the more than 248,000 men and women of the National Guard and Reserve called to active duty for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf War. He was appointed to Governor John Rowland's Military Staff. Gene was a Life member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, Hartford chapter, in recognition of demonstrated patriotism, fidelity and perpetual commitment to the support of a military policy for the US that provided adequate National Security. Simultaneous to his military career, Gene was employed by Hamilton Standard division of United Technologies, beginning as a Senior Marketing Engineer, promoted to open a marketing office in San Antonio, Texas, promoted to Chief of Contracts and returned to Connecticut, retiring in 1993 after 30 years of service. He was fortunate to have two careers with Hamilton and the Air Force, enjoying a unique position arranging and assisting sales and contracts between Hamilton and the military. Following his retirement from Hamilton, he began part-time employment with R & D Dynamics. Gene demonstrated a stellar work ethic, and was the embodiment of integrity, professionalism, propriety and dedication to his employers.

Gene is survived by his sister Lynn Leyden, daughters Kathleen Sullivan and Patricia Sullivan, stepchildren Lisa McCutcheon Casey and husband David, (late) Brian McCutcheon and wife Sharon, Jill McCutcheon Brayton and her husband John. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Tara Wietecha, Brian Sullivan and his wife Marisa, Ryann Zabielski and her husband Joseph, Christopher Wietecha and his wife Kelly, Shanna Barker and her husband John, Shannon Hamel, Meaghan Casey and her husband Loren Stender, Dr. Elizabeth Casey Guadagni and her husband Scott, Tyler McCutcheon, Connor McCutcheon, Ian Patrick McCutcheon, 18 great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, as well as cousins and their families in Ireland. He was preceded in death by his wife and life partner of 38 years Margaret O'Brien Sullivan, his former wife Ursula Sullivan and daughter Nancy Jean. His passion for golf and admiration for cars added vibrant layers to his personality, creating bonds and memories that will forever be cherished. He enjoyed extensive global travel as well as homes in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, and Texas. He found joy in family here and abroad, making numerous trips to Ireland to visit cousins. An avid golfer, he delighted in golf on his travels, and with particular zeal with his grandchildren and great grandsons Neil and Finian. As we bid farewell to a beloved father, grandfather and military leader, may the echoes of the legacy of commitment, love and enduring values provide comfort during this difficult time.

A Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Gene's life will be held at Saint Damien of Molokai Parish, St. Joseph's Church, 1747 Poquonock Avenue, Poquonock, CT on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM, followed by burial with military honors in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Bristol. In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to the charity of your choice as Gene did so generously in his retirement years. For directions or condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.