JOSEPH SULLIVAN

SULLIVAN--Joseph P. Joseph P. Sullivan, passed away March 12, 2022 at age 90. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, John and Nora (Healy), by his brothers, John (Margaret) and Thomas (Audrey); and by his beloved daughter Julia (Douglas). He is survived by his wife, Patricia ("Patsy"); brother Edward (Josephine) and sister Maureen; children Ellen (Bruce), Joan (Thomas), Nora, and Deirdre (Andrew); grandchildren, Joseph, Marianne (Michael), Christopher, Hugh (fiance' Kathleen), Molly, Julia, Jack, Caroline, Emily, Patrick (fiance' Emma), Timothy, Bridget, Sean, Michael and Grace and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Joe was born and raised in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx. He graduated from Power Memorial High School ('48), St. John's University ('52) and St. John's University Law School ('57). He received his LLM from the University of Virginia School of Law ('84). During the Korean War, Joe served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division. Joe was elected in 1969 to serve as a judge to the Civil Court of New York City. In 1972, Joe was elected to the New York State Supreme Court. In 1978, Governor Hugh Carey appointed Joe to serve as a Justice on the Appellate Division, 1st Department. Among his many consequential opinions, none drew more attention than his 1983 decision involving the infamous Yankees/Royals "pine tar" game. Joe denied the Yankees' effort to enjoin continuation of the game by proclaiming from the bench "Play ball" putting aside his bias as a life-long Yankee fan. He had the distinction of being the longest serving Appellate Division Justice in State history - 30 years. A ten- times finalist for nomination to the New York State Court of Appeals, Justice Sullivan vacated his seat on the 1st Department in 2007 at age 76. He continued his distinguished legal career at Holland & Knight until his retirement at the age of 85. Joe was a devoted Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Assumption (Bronx), St. Rosalie's (Hampton Bays), and St. Joseph's (Bronxville) R.C. parishes. Although a true "lawyer's lawyer" and a dedicated jurist, Joe was never happier than when he was at Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays surrounded by his family, enjoying the warm weather and discussing world events. He was often spotted walking laps around his Bronxville home, even on the coldest of days. He possessed an outstanding intellect, a love of laughter, an infectious smile and a warm heart. Joe's proudest accomplishments are his five daughters, 15 grandchildren, and his 63- year marriage to Patsy. Joe will be missed by all who knew him. Joe will be waked at McGrath's Funeral Home, Bronxville, NY, on Tuesday evening, March 15, 2022 from 4pm to 8pm. A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Joseph's Church, Bronxville, NY, on March 16, 2022 at 10:45am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's memory to: "St. John's University", Attn: School of Law Development, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439.