Brian T. Sullivan, 73
BAILEY ISLAND - Brian T. Sullivan, 73, of Bailey Island, formerly of Waterford, Conn., passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Dec. 27, 2017.
Brian was born in Hartford, Conn. on Dec. 26, 1944, the son of John and Teresa Sullivan. He attended Waterford High School. After graduating high school in 1962, Brian attended Maine Maritime Academy in Castine. During college, Brian met his future wife, Sylvia Marquis, on a blind date. After graduating from Maine Maritime in 1966, Brian sailed with Tidewater Oil out of Delaware. Soon thereafter, he took a job in Wilmington, N.C. where he taught at Cape Fear Technical Institute as an instructor on the research vessel The Advance. Brian and Sylvia were married in 1967 and lived in North Carolina for two years.
In 1969, Brian returned to Connecticut with Syl, and raised their three children in Waterford. Brian also started a career in the marine insurance industry that lasted almost 40 years. If asked, Brian would claim his real job was as a fisherman, though. Brian's life as a fisherman began when he was 12 years old and continued through retirement. Lobstering, clamming, gill netting, fish trapping, and purse seining; anything that got him out on the water! He also loved underwater adventures, and enjoyed exploring numerous tropical destinations with his family. Brian passed along his love of travel to his three children who will forever cherish the memories of those family vacations.
Adventures at home centered around large family gatherings at the holidays. No one will ever forget the 4th of July party that ended with a houseboat, PVC pipe, fireworks, and a visit from the police.
After years of weekend getaways to Maine, Brian and Syl returned permanently in 2009 for retirement. Brian, of course, carried on his passion for fishing after relocating to Bailey Island. Brian and Syl celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September 2017, surrounded by family and friends.
Brian made countless friends over the years, always surrounded by one motley crew or another. People were drawn to his boisterous and kind personality. He lived life his way, and his generous nature was infectious.
Brian is survived by his wife, Sylvia Marquis Sullivan; daughter, Kellie Sullivan of South Portland, daughter Kathy Sullivan and husband Jeff Thumm of Happy Jack, Ariz., son John Sullivan and wife Katy Wood of Coventry, RI; and two adored granddaughters Keely and Kiera.
In keeping with Brian's wishes, there will be no funeral services. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.FuneralAlternatives.net.
Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, Brunswick.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Jan. 3, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Sullivan

19 Entries

Bill Donovan

December 28, 2023

Brian was a colleague at Smith Insurance where we enjoyed our life long friendship. Condolences to Syl and the family

Billy D

J. Patrick Kelly, Waterford/East Lyme Shellfish Commission

December 28, 2023

He is still remembered on the Niantic River & Bay in CT as the Nautical/Marine Species Mentor. He is missed and, on our minds, when discussing the Waterford/East Lyme marine environment. He likes on in our memories!

June 19, 2019

May your family find peace in the comfort of God and His Holy promises. Isaiah 32:18

October 12, 2018

May the wonderful memories of your loved one sustain you until God's promises are fulfilled (John 6:40).

Brian and Sylvia's good times!

Pat Kelly

January 20, 2018

Brian was a good friend and fellow Shellfish Commissioner for many years. When he moved to Maine we lost his stewardship of the marine environment! He and I had the same stubborn Irish temper; that is why we got along so well! If there is a ocean in heaven GOD has put Brian in charge; divine harmony!

Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no
one can steal.

Debbie Schlink Joiner

January 10, 2018

Sylvia and Family - I am so sorry for your loss. Memories of the 4th of July and Christmas Eve at your house are some of my favorites from my childhood. I will always remember Brian's infectious laugh. Out prayers are with you all.

January 6, 2018

1/6/18

Syl and family. surprised and saddened to read of Brian's passing.

We had some memorable days at Smith Insurance. Brian in Niantic with NBP Jr., Tom DeLaura in New London with Norm Scott and Jim, and yours truly in Groton with Dave Smith.

Many stories, a few cocktails,and many laughs.

Captain Brian made his mark and will be missed! Always had that smile and grin.

May he rest in Peace.

Fondly,

Bill Donovan
Waterford, CT

Adam Blinderman

January 5, 2018

I can honestly say Brian changed my life at a young age, he sent me on the path on which I continue. I met him when I was in the 5th grade and started helping with his pound net; I learned a lot out on that skiff in that time between 5th grade and graduating high school. Many a time I ended up on double secret probation. It was always a good time on the water with Brian, I can never thank him enough for putting me on the right path in life.

Christa Wood

January 4, 2018

Our heart felt condolences. I will forever remember the Christmas dinner of 2016 as one of the funniest occasions of my life. We were all laughing so hard we cried; pie in the face. A very happy memory we will cherish.Love Christa & Tom

Charles Bowers

January 4, 2018

I make the trek down River Road several times a week and cannot pass by Beach Street without memories of Brian and you Syl. I was extremely saddened to learn of Brian's passing. The net, crabbing and the diving gave this midwestern boy an education about living on the shore. I was amazed that Brian was able to take an impossibly short piece of line and tie a knot, always two round turns and two half hitches. The only knot you need to know. The Sullivan's are in my prayers.

January 4, 2018

My sincere sympathy to you Syl and your family. Many fond (and funny) memories of Brian during the 80's. I wish you comfort at this sad time.
Necia Stevens

Gloria Rossiter-Masi

January 4, 2018

Thoughts & prayers to the family......I work with John and I can see where he has gotten his fun loving personality and ability to share his love of science. He is his father's son. Mr Sullivan sounds like he was a great person with a wonderful family.

rick judd

January 4, 2018

Remembered with great fondness , and more than a few amusing incidents from our days at MMA . Who can forget
bourbon flavored toothpaste ?

Russell Kniehl

January 4, 2018

RIP Sully. Condolences to Sylvia and family.
Russ Kniehl MMA'66

Robert Lee

January 3, 2018

So sorry to hear the passing of Brian. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Sullivan family at this most difficult time.

Nancy Burdick

January 3, 2018

Sylvia, so sorry to read of Brian's passing. It certainly brought back many memories and I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time !

Tom Donnee

January 3, 2018

RIP my friend, classmate, ins agent and fellow raconteur.

Dick Sullivan

January 3, 2018

One of the 3 Sullivans in the class of 66 at Maine Maritime Academy. You will be missed by all of your classmates. My sincere condolences to your family.

Dick Sullivan, MMA 1966

BRIAN SOUTHWORTH

January 3, 2018

Brian worked for my family for years at The Latchstring Restaurant. We spent many times snorkeling Niantic Bay. I knew he moved to Maine but little did I know you moved to Bailey Island, a place our family has been vacationing for a number of years at various cottages and used the Tower House often. I will never forget the times I spent with Sully. Sadly missed.
Brian Southworth

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