Kevin Patrick O'Sullivan

Kevin O'Sullivan Obituary

O'SULLIVAN-Kevin Patrick. Television executive and philanthropist, died on January 9th at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. He was 77 years old. Mr. O'Sullivan entered the television industry in 1948 as an undergraduate at Queens College, first as a news commentator, then later as an actor and singer, appearing on such shows as ``Your Hit Parade'' and ``This Is Show Business'' among others. In 1952, he starred in the Broadway musical ``Seventeen''. As a television executive Mr. O'Sullivan joined the American Broadcasting Company in 1967, eventually becoming President of two of its subsidiaries, ABC Films, Inc. and ABC International Television, Inc. In 1973 he acquired the assets of ABC Films to create Worldvision Enterprises, a worldwide television distribution company. In 1979 Worldvision merged with Taft Broadcasting and when Taft was acquired by Great American Communications Corporation, he became President and Chief Executive Officer of its Entertainment Group. He later served as Chairman of the board of trustees of the Foundation of the International Council of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. After his retirement Mr. O'Sullivan dedicated himself wholly to the O'Sullivan Children Foundation, which he and his wife Carole started in memory of their children, Kevin, Jr., Colleen, and Terence. Mr. O'Sullivan was born in New York City in 1928 to Patrick and Christina O'Sullivan from County Kerry in Ireland. He is survived by his wife Carole and their daughter Erin Anne. Beloved brother of Brian O'Sullivan, brother of Sheila and Robert Beck, belovedbrother-in-law of Doris and Joseph Baffi, Joan and William Greene, Gayle & Richard Herber, brother-in-law of Elizabeth O'Sullivan. Devoted uncle of William Baffi, Brian and Kathy O'Sullivan, Joseph and Jane Baffi, Christopher and Tara Baffi, Tara O'Sullivan, Jill and Gene Gersbeck, Dawn and Daniel Opinante, Robert and Mary Baffi, Douglas and Christine Herber, Jennifer Herber, Bernadette and Albert Volpe, Thomas Baffi, Glen and Timothy Beck. Loving great-uncle of Kristopher, Jonathan, Nicholas, Mirahe, Dru, Kyle, Gianna, Robert Anthony and Anthony James Baffi, Brittany and Kelsey Opinante, Reily Herber, Sara Moran-Herber Cayden Volpe, Aubrie, Megan and Peter Gersbeck, Daniel and Julia O'Sullivan. Loving son of the deceased Christina and Patrick O'Sullivan. Loving son-in-law of the deceased Marjorie and Harold Christensen. Viewing will be held at Donohue Cecere Funeral Home in Westbury, Long Island, New York on Wednesday, January 11th and Thursday, January 12th from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:0010:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 13 at 10:00 AM at St. Brigid's Roman Catholic Church, Westbury, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The O'Sullivan Children Foundation, 4 Bridle Path Drive, Old Westbury, NY 11568.

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Published by New York Times from Jan. 11 to Jan. 12, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin O'Sullivan

11 Entries

Danielle G

February 25, 2006

Dear Erin & Mrs O'Sullivan,

i just found this guestbook today,

as you know i am a friend of erin's and i was heartbroken to hear the news i know how close she was to her dad and how her and her mom took care of him. i only got to meet him a few times and speak with him briefly but the few times i did he ALWAYS had a smile on his face regardless of what he was going through with his health!! i will miss very much not getting to know him BETTER.no words can describe the loss of a parent/husband you guys are always in my thoughts and i'm here if you need anything! his memory will ALWAYS live on no matter how much time goes on and even thou he is no longer here in person ,he is always with you in spirit and i KNOW u know that already erin ! the road will rise up and meet u all again........

i love you xoxo

~Danielle~

Kathleen Pries

January 18, 2006

Dear Carol, Erin and Family,

Bill and I are so saddened to hear of your lost....the world's lost. He was a great and generous man who touched so many lives with his humility and strength. You always felt better when you were around him. We thank God for the precious time He gave us to know and be with Kevin.

You will continue to be in our prayers.

Kathleen and Bill Pries

Brookville,New York

Patricia Quinn

January 13, 2006

Your example is neverending - even today - with the beautiful, warm Mass for Mr. O'Sullivan at St. Brigid's. My family has benefitted greatly from the vision of Kevin Patrick O'Sullivan and his wife and family. If only the rest of us could make a difference in other people's lives as he and his family have done. Thank you for the efforts you put forth and which continue to have a significant impact on others. Thank you for bringing our family together - with your incredible support and generosity, particularly with "Out of Ireland" - which I watched religiously with my Father until we lost him five years ago. Now, I watch the weekly broadcast with my mother. Thank you for making it a better world.

God speed.

Sam J. Vizza

January 13, 2006

Dear Carole:

I was so saddened when my brother told me of Kevin's passing.I am in Florida and was told too late to attend the service, however, I am there in spirit. I last saw Kevin last year at a private lunch at Brookville arrainged by Frank Lyden and myself. I was amazed at his attitude in the face of such adversity. He told me of the book he was writing and the conversion he did to the house. He always looked to the future....a remarkable and generous man, I was proud to count him as a friend. I will miss him.

Sam Vizza

Guenther Hecht

January 12, 2006

I happened to glance at the obituary page of the New York Times today, just by chance, and saw a face which looked familiar, especially in view of my remembrance of Kevin from our days together at Flushing High School. Of course his picture appears on page 22 of The Gargoyle, the yearbook of January 1946. It's the same face. (I'm on page 18). He wrote "See you at Queens College! Good Luck. Kev".

Mrs. O'Sullivan, I am truly sorry about your loss. From what I read, Kevin led an exemplary life dedicated to the benefit of others, and spreading joy to those who knew him. I remember him this way too. I wish to convey my sincere condolences to you and your daughter.

Sincerely, Guenther H. Hecht

Katie Brennan (McGoldrick)

January 12, 2006

Dear Mrs. O'Sullivan:

I received a note from my mom and dad today after they heard about Kevin's passing. They wished to express their deepest sympathy, but were unclear how to reach you as they are now in Florida. When I was younger, I babysat for all 3 of your oldest children when my parents socialized with you and Kevin. My brothers Michael and Patrick McGoldrick were friends with young Kevin. Our prayers are with you.

Katie and Peter Brennan

Gail Prinzo

January 12, 2006

I was very saddend by the news of Mr O'Sullivan's death. He was a great, kind and caring person. I am just sorry I did not keep in touch. He will be greatly missed.

Fredi Towbin

January 11, 2006

In the late 1980's I was writing and producing my syndicated (Worldvision) sitcom "Throb." I remember Kevin so well. He was real. He was kind. And he cared about things that mattered.

Patti Flanagan-Mix

January 11, 2006

Dear Carole & Erin ~~ In this world of many people, somehow nice people are not forgotten. Hearing today of your great loss saddens me having met you at the start of Kevin's tremendous fight for life a few years ago at St.Francis. Please know, along with my brother Frank & sister-in-law Linda, our prayers and sympathy surround you throughout this most difficult time. Sincerely, Patti Flanagan-Mix

(Irronically today, Linda is inpatient at Columbia/Pres awaiting a heart transplant)

Julie Springer

January 11, 2006

Please accpet my deepest sympathy - I am so sorry to hear of your loss and may God comfort you all at this time.

I am the mother of Ricky Alexander who works with Chris Baffi.

Kathleen Donovan-Piazza

January 11, 2006

I am so sorry for your lost my regret is that I am the only sister of Peggy McKenna who did not have the honor to meet Mr O'Sullivan all I have ever heard is what a wonderful man he was. My prayers are with you and your family. Kathleen Donovan-Piazza

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