EUGENE SULLIVAN

1939 - 2024

SULLIVAN--Eugene R., Jr. Eugene R. Sullivan, Jr., "Gene," passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024 at the age of 85. A resident of Vero Beach, FL and East Windsor, NJ, and formerly of New York City and Larchmont, NY. Gene was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, Mary Anne (nee Diefenbach), his three children Gene (Debby), Laura (Kevin Coen) and Matt (Amber), and his eight grandchildren - Michael, Connor, Braedan, Winnie, Gavin, Neve, Scarlett and June. Gene is also survived by his sisters Jane Burke (Joe) and Mary Tracy (Jim), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Anne (Nan) Sullivan and by his step-mother, Patricia Sullivan. Gene was born in New York City on April 27, 1939 to Anne Rigney and Eugene R. Sullivan Sr. He spent his formative years at Portsmouth Abbey (1957), where he first discovered his love of learning, before earning degrees from Georgetown University (1961), Duke University (1962) and Columbia Law School (1965). He began dating the love of his life, Mary Anne, in the summer of 1968 and, following a brief courtship, they married on June 7, 1969. Together with Mary Anne, Gene spent the next six decades raising a family, building a successful law practice, nurturing his faith and pursuing the many passions that filled him with purpose and joy. He was an avid traveler with a keen sense of adventure, having visited at least 61 countries on countless work trips and vacations, not the least of which involved two strenuous trips to the Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal. Gene enjoyed reading for his many book clubs, listening to his favorite music and admiring wildlife and nature which was especially evident in his love for orchids. A member of the New York bar since 1965, Gene was a partner at the law firm of Chadbourne & Parke, where his fondness for adventure led him to establish the firm's satellite office in Moscow, Russia, working there in the 1990's. He spent his later professional years supporting numerous pro bono projects in Russia, Hungary and at the United Nations. Volunteering at Mercy Center in the Bronx and at Xavier Mission in Manhattan, he found purpose and fulfillment using his legal and other skills to help those in need. Gene's athletic pursuits included skiing, hiking and running. An accomplished long-distance runner, he finished ten marathons in places from Budapest to New York City. Gene was a contemplative, smart and deeply curious man who constantly sought to better understand this world and his place in it. He was spiritual as well, accepting God's grace and presence in his life. He and Mary Anne practiced their faith daily and on Sundays at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York. Gene will be remembered as a loving husband, a caring father, an adoring grandfather, a fun and supportive sibling, a successful lawyer, and a wise and compassionate friend to all who knew him. Generous in sharing his time, treasure and talent, Gene will be greatly missed by all. A Mass in Celebration of Gene's life will be held at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York on Monday, August 26 at 10 am. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Gene's honor to: the Church of St. Francis Xavier's Mission: https://xaviermission.org or The Mercy Center: https:// mercycenterbronx.org