Ronald P. Sullivan

CANTON - Ronald Philip Sullivan of Canton, formerly of Colton and Malone, passed away on Monday November 24, 2025 in Canton, NY. Ronald was born to Mary (Hurley) and John B. Sullivan in Potsdam. He grew up in Colton with a special attachment to the Hurley family farm and the woods of Wildwood. A 1953 graduate of Colton-Pierrepont Central School, he also attended Clarkson College of Technology.

Ronnie was especially close with his uncle Francis Hurley. It was Francis who introduced him to Anne M. Snell (daughter of Kathryn and Milton Snell of Parishville). Ron and Anne were married in 1956 at St. Mary's Church in Potsdam, and after updating the Wildwood school house, made Wildwood their home. Around this time, Ron had begun working for Niagara Mohawk, and after a promotion to Sales Representative (later to be Business Manager), his career with NiMo relocated the family to Malone, where Ron would spend most of his adult life.

In 1965 Ron and Anne purchased their McGillic Road farm in Malone and began another gradual remodeling/restoration project – this time on an even bigger scale. After his time with NiMo and choosing to stay in Malone, Ron purchased, relocated, and expanded Malone Electric Shoppe Supply which served most of Franklin County. After the Electric Shop, Ronnie helped in sales with Snell Equipment and then began his time as a dairy farmer on the McGillic Road. He ran the farm with his prized Ayrshires until retiring from farming in 1994.

Ronnie was active in a variety of civic and social groups: Colton Volunteer Fire Department where he served as Past Chief, Rotary International (member and President of Malone Chapter), BPOE Elks, Malone Chamber of Commerce (President, and with Anne, Winter Carnival co-chair), and weekends in the woods with his hunting friends. After retirement, he served for several years as Chairperson of the Malone Planning Board, and along with Anne, volunteered at the Almanzo Wilder Homestead.

They celebrated their 58th anniversary before Anne's death in 2014. A short time later, Ron moved back to St. Lawrence County to be closer to friends and family, purchasing a home in the town of Canton with Ellie as his dedicated caretaker. Most recently, he moved to United Helpers' Maplewood Campus, while Ellie continued to provide endless support.

Ronnie is survived by his children: Elnore (Ellie) Sullivan-Stripp (Wayne Stripp) of Canton; Maria Sullivan (Ed Hinge) of Greenfield, MA; Charles Sullivan (Debra Chini Sullivan) of Jamesville, NY; and Theodore (Tade) Sullivan (Sue Matteson Sullivan) of Paul Smiths. Grandchildren include Francis Stripp (Samuel Hartman); Madeleine Young; Joseph, Julia, and Mary Sullivan; and Liam, Jack, and Clark Sullivan. Also surviving are his cousin Daniel Hurley of Canton; several brothers- and sisters-in-law: John Phippen; Kinga, Carol, Kathy, John, Joseph, Gary, Steven, and Richard Snell – along with a large number of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his parents Mae and J.B. Sullivan, his sister Jane Lora Phippen, and an infant brother, Timothy.

The family would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Maplewood for the incredible care they gave to Ronnie during his last years, and for the support, kindness, and friendship they have provided for the whole family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ron's name to St. Patrick's Church in Colton, or to the Canton Rescue Squad. Calling hours will be at the Buck Funeral Home in Colton from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th, with a Funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Church in Colton at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5th, with burial to follow at a later date. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com .