John Patrick Sullivan

1953 - 2025

John Patrick Sullivan
SULLIVAN, John Patrick, departed this life on Saturday, (February 8, 2025), after a lengthy illness, due to complications from COPD. He was born on June 14, 1953, in Middletown, to the late James A. Sullivan and Catherine Otfinoski Sullivan. John leaves many family members to mourn his passing. His brother and sister-in-law, James and Maraide Sullivan of Johns Island South Carolina; his sister, Catherine Rau of Portland; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Earl Rand of East Wallingford, VT; his sister, Patricia Lehman of Portland; sister, Ellen and brother-in-law, Christopher Nolan of Portland; sister, Margaret and brother-in-law, Anthony DeLucia of Glastonbury; sister-in law, Lisa Sullivan; a maternal aunt, Violet Atkinson; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; along with many cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his father and mother, James and Catherine Sullivan; his brothers, Thomas, Michael, and Joseph Sullivan; and brothers-in-law, Christopher Rau and Robert Lehman. John was a good man, a generous man with a big heart. He graduated from Xavier High School in Middletown, and was a running back for its football team. In 1971 Xavier High school was the first undefeated, untied football team in school history, led by tri-captains, Bob Chamberlain, John Shukis, and John Sullivan. Top scorers for the team were running backs Greg Woods (60pts.) and John Sullivan (38 pts). The team was coached by the legendary Larry McHugh.
After graduating from XHS, John went on to study at both Black Hills State University in South Dakota and American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts.
After college, John worked at Pratt and Whitney and Pegasus manufacturing as a precision tool and die maker. He was extremely proud of his trade.
John retired during the Covid epidemic. He then found great pleasure in watching his great-nephews play sports, he also found great pleasure in reminding the referees what John considered a bad call.
There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 22, at 10 a.m. in the Church of Saint Mary, 51 Freestone Avenue, Portland, CT. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland.
The family requests that any memorial donations be made in John's name to The Church of St. Mary, Portland, or Xavier High School, Middletown.