Jeffrey John Sullivan

Jeffrey John Sullivan was an amazing son, brother, uncle, and brother-in-law. We are blessed to have had him in our lives. Jeffrey John Sullivan passed away at home suddenly and unexpectedly on December 27, 2023, at the young age of 55. Jeff was born on March 4, 1968, at St. Clare's Hospital in Manhattan to Christina and John Sullivan, both native New Yorkers.

The youngest of three siblings, he was the adored baby brother to his sister, Lynn, and brother, Craig. Jeff was a precious baby. He was a gift, always holding a very special place in our small family.

A born and raised New Yorker, Jeff loved this city, and although he lived in other places, among them Los Angeles and North Carolina, New York City was his home. Jeff attended Catholic grammar and high schools in Manhattan, and upon graduation from New England College in 1990, he worked in the entertainment industry. Switching careers, he became a real estate agent and most recently worked in building services.

A natural athlete, Jeff loved all sports, especially basketball. As a young man, he was a terrific basketball player and one of his highlights was the day he met his hero: the great New York Knick Earl "The Pearl" Monroe. He was also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and never missed watching a game. Among his great passions later in life were biking and running, for which he had a vast collection of sneakers in every color. Not a day went by when he wasn't doing one or the other.

He loved all genres of music, including hard rock, heavy metal, and even Barry Manilow, although that's a secret. He also loved old movies, especially those with Jimmy Cagey and Humphrey Bogart. He was also a good cook, who made a great lasagna every year for Christmas, the Sullivan family's holiday. An animal lover, he had a particular affinity for cats and cherished many throughout his life, especially Kelly and JJ.

Above all else, Jeff loved his friends and family fiercely. Gregarious and easy-going, he made friends easily and treasured each of them, which accounts for his deep friendships from grammar school, high school, college, and his work life that lasted a lifetime. From his earliest friends to those from grammar and high school to his brothers from Sigma Phi Delta at New England College, he kept in touch with all of them. He was always the life of the party and a great friend to all. He could also tell a good joke. It may be cliché, but he would give the shirt off his back for those he loved.

Throughout his life, he had a few great loves but never married, though he came close a couple of times. Jeff loved children and he treated his niece and goddaughter, Sydney, like gold. He adored her and she adored him. Uncle Jeff was her buddy; he taught her how to ride a bike, make the perfect grilled cheese, and pick the luckiest lottery numbers. She will forever treasure the time they spent together.

Family always came first for Jeff. He was an amazing son, and the pride of his father, John. They had a special relationship that was unwavering. When his father got sick, Jeff was there to help care for him until he passed away in 1999. Jeff was his brother Craig's biggest champion. They had a unique relationship that Craig always tested, and Jeff always passed that test. Jeff was by Craig's side throughout his illnesses and has kept Craig's memory strong since he died in 2012.

Jeff and his brother-in-law, Randy, were as close as brothers. They enjoyed road trips together and shared so much including a love of sports and family. Jeff and his sister Lynn were best friends. While she was older, and he never let her forget it, they adored each other and were always there for one another. When she needed it most, his sense of humor always made her laugh, even when it was slightly off-color. Jeff was her only choice to be the godfather of her daughter Sydney, and he held that as an honor of a lifetime.

There was never a more devoted and loving son to his mother Christina than Jeff. She was his rock, and he was hers. They had an unbreakable bond that surpassed time and space. He meant the world to her, and they were always there for each other.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father John and brother Craig. He is survived by his mother Christina, sister Lynn, goddaughter and niece, Sydney, and brother-in-law, Randy.

In place of flowers, those who wish to remember Jeff in a special way may consider making a gift in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Or at www.Stjude.org

We were truly blessed to have him in our lives. So, when you think of Jeff, smile. Keep him forever in your heart. He will always remain in ours.