Frederick J. Sullivan Sr.

Frederick J. Sullivan Sr. - Age 81, beloved husband of the late Ann L. (Maffioli) Sullivan, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 17, at The Inn at Fairview in Hudson, NH.
Born in Boston on October 12, 1943, Fred was the son of the late John F. and Stasia (Sweet) Sullivan. He lived in Billerica his entire life, building a lasting legacy in his community and within his family.
Fred was the proud owner of Billerica Motorsports and Marine, a family business he helped grow from its early days. It all began with his parents, John and Stasia, who started Center Harbor Marine on the Concord River, specializing in boat rentals and outboard motor repairs. From a very young age, Fred demonstrated a natural gift for mechanics, working on outboard motors by the time he was just nine years old. By 16, he was handling the repairs in the family business and even building custom "hydro," boats which he would test on the river.
Fred's passion for mechanics didn't stop at boats-he had a love for cars, particularly hot rods and muscle cars. One of his favorite cars was a 1955 Chevy Convertible, and he was always tinkering with something, whether on land or water. Over the years, he expanded the business, adding new products and brands, including Yamaha snowmobiles in the 1970s, and Yamaha motorcycles in 1980-despite never having ridden one himself at the time. He also sold brands like Mercury, Suzuki, Arctic Cat, Rinker boats, and more. Fred could be found yearly at the New England Boat Show, where he was introduced to his wife Ann. They married in 1974.
Fred's work ethic was unmatched. For years, he worked over 100 hours a week, often eating his supper at 11 p.m. and rising early to do it all over again the next day. Despite his busy schedule, Fred always found time for his family, especially on weekends when he'd involve them in yard work. Whether laying down mulch or mowing the lawn, Fred would occasionally even pop a wheelie on his riding lawnmower.
In the 1990s, Fred's children, Kari and Fred Jr., became involved in the family business, adding new brands like Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, and Scarab jet boats. Fred also found time to return to his automotive roots, spending four years building a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 with his son. But his true automotive passion was his 1934 Chevy Sedan Delivery, a pro-street car with a blown, injected 454 engine, which he nicknamed the "Yamahaller." It won numerous awards and held a special place in Fred's heart.
Fred's life took on a new chapter in 2013 when he became a grandfather. His first grandson, Jack, was born, and Fred joyfully embraced his role as "Grampy." He loved spending time with his grandsons, often pushing Jack in a stroller around the dealership.
Fred was a hard worker, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. His many customers became lifelong friends, and he treasured the relationships he built over the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Fred's memory in a unique way: get in whatever vehicle you own and push that throttle down HARD-just as Fred would have.
Fred is survived by his children, Kari Sullivan Davis and her husband Robert Davis of Chelmsford, and Frederick Sullivan Jr. of Billerica; his sisters, Rita Sullivan of Billerica and Sharon Casey of Sandown, NH; and his beloved grandsons, Jack Frederick Davis and Max Christopher Davis.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29, at the Sweeney Memorial Funeral Home, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica, from 1-4 p.m.