Name: Calling hours for Craig J. "Sully" Sullivan
Start: 2023-01-07T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-07T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

Waterford - It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our son, brother, and loving uncle Craig J. "Sully" Sullivan at the age of 58. Craig was taken from us in a tragic event on Dec. 29, 2022. Craig experienced a massive heart attack while he was driving his car with his siblings and brother-in-law. His family and friends are devastated by his sudden loss.

Craig was born Aug. 15, 1964, in New London to Jim and Nova Sullivan. Craig attended Waterford Public Schools and was active in youth and high school sports. Craig played youth baseball and basketball, and high school football and wrestling. Craig attended Central Connecticut State University for two years. Craig's love for sports was part of his everyday life; he followed the New York Yankees, New York Giants, UConn, Notre Dame Football, and local high school sports. Craig was consistently recognized by his coaches and peers as a tough athlete who gave one hundred percent, and this trait held true during his workouts at Planet Fitness. A special Thank You to the Planet Fitness staff for mopping up after his extremely sweaty workouts.

Craig was a committed employee for 33 years at The Day newspaper where he was recognized as upbeat and dedicated to The Day's subscribers. Craig consistently made sure customers received their daily paper on time and if there was a problem, he would deliver the paper himself.

Craig is survived by his parents, Nova and Jim Sullivan of Waterford; his twin brother Christopher Sullivan of Boston, Mass.; his sister and brother-in-law, Kellie and Rich Cirillo of Waterford; his nephew (godson) Ryan Cirillo and fiancée (Elena); and his niece Jillian Cirillo and significant other (Tyler). Craig is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were regularly present in his life; as well as dog Denny, whom he shared with his brother for over two years. Craig and Denny loved being together.

Craig was a fun-loving, gregarious, unconventional, and a friend to all and never spoke a negative word about anyone. His infectious positive outlook, unique personality, and large energetic presence are just some of the characteristics that made us all love Craig. He made the world a better place. Craig departed us with contentment, self-awareness, and peace of mind. Craig experienced tremendous personal growth.

Calling hours will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street in Niantic. Charitable donations can be made in lieu of flowers in Craig's name to a charity of the donor's choice.

Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome,com to leave the family an online condolence.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Sullivan

Sponsored by Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home.

21 Entries

Dave Fairman

December 21, 2024

Rest in Peace Craig

toni macArthur

February 1, 2023

jim & Nova: skimming the obits in the NL area...so so very sorry to read of craig's passing. my sincerest condolences!! hoping he and scott remember one another in God's house! toni macArthur

Matthew Iffland

January 22, 2023

It is with sadness that I write this. Met Sully on a cruise in the ninety´s and we all became friends. Geez so much time has passed. Wedding seemed not too long ago but 26 years ago!!
Trips to Connecticut and Chicago never a dull moment! Lots of hilarious memories!You will be missed buddy! Rest in peace my friend! You will always hold a special place in our hearts! till we meet again when our time comes! Love Matthew and Kathryn Iffland

Tim Malone

January 13, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Remember Craig well from Waterford High. You are all in my prayers.

Eileen

January 10, 2023

Sully was always so upbeat and joyful. It was nice to have such a happy-go-lucky neighbor. I miss seeing you almost every day as I walk my dog Maggie.
My condolences and love to Nova, Jim and family.

Lori Occhionero-Ryan

January 8, 2023

Nova, Jimmy and. family,

Nova, Jimmy and Family,
So sorry to hear about Graig's passing, John and I were sick and not able to attend the wake. You are in our hearts and prayers.

Deepest Condolences, Lori and John Occhionero-Ryan

Bobby Stoltz.....Stoltzy

January 8, 2023

Sully, You were one of a kind my brother. Love you pal

Laurie Campbell

January 7, 2023

I met Sully back in the late 90´s at Powerhouse Gym. I walked in not knowing a single person and by the time I walked out Sully and I were fast friends! I referred to him as the "welcoming committee"! His smile was infectious and he was always quick to offer a tip on lifting! We will miss him at Planet Fitness! If only there were more people like Sully the world would be a better place!

My deepest condolences to the family.

Laurie Campbell

Laurie

January 7, 2023

Craig, Chris, and Laurie. We were the Mod Squad of Mackenzie Road. God Bless You Craig and my sincerest condolences to the Sullivan and Cirillo Families. See You Again Laurie Kerp

Bonnie Swanson Douton

January 7, 2023

Im so sorry for your loss .

Donna Novick

January 7, 2023

Craig was my district manager for 12 years. I would have to call him about issues and see him once a week to pick up supplies. I would joke and flirt with him just to get him laughing. I would walk in and immediately Craig would say" here comes Novick TROUBLE". He joked with people but when it came to his job he was serious. I couldn't of asked for a better boss than Craig.
You will be missed by many. Rest easy my friend.
My condolences and prayers to all that loved you.

Peter Ingoglia

January 7, 2023

I worked along side Craig for over 30 years. He was always there to greet you with a genuine smile and a friendly good morning and some funny chatter that made the day a little better. You will be sorely missed...RIP my friend

David Cole

January 7, 2023

I worked for Craig for ten years, he was a huge help to me and I am saddened by his loss,what a nice fella! The world is a lesser place now, sleep well Craig! See you in heaven!

george trevisani

January 6, 2023

I'm sorry for your loss.

Michele and Ed Cawley

January 6, 2023

I was introduced to Sully years ago from his cousin Sherri. He always made me laugh. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Francine Schuch, RFC

January 5, 2023

I'm one of the many neighbors who will miss Sully here at Rope Ferry. I would often see him walking Denny, and when complimented on such a fine-looking dog, he would always flash his big grin and proudly say it was his brother's dog; nevertheless were a well-matched pair. In the heat of last summer, Sully could also be found working with our landscape crew paving our new sidewalks. Always with that big grin and a positive comment!!

Sully may have been short in stature, but his Spirit, Attitude and Presence was all I ever noticed. Sully, thank you for being such a wonderful Neighbor...may you Rest in Peace.

David Fabricant

January 5, 2023

I will miss seeing him at Planet Fitness. Sully was almost always there when i was. He unfailingly greeted, and encouraged, me to keep working out . He had an an infectious personality. A real “people person!”. May God bless him and his family and friends. I am truly sorry for their loss.

Tom Sullivan

January 5, 2023

A true Waterford legend who loved all things Waterford. Friendship goes way back. Fond memories of Knights of Columbus trips to ball games, Big East tournament bus trips and countless football games. Thanks for all the laughs and good times. Rest easy my friend

Kat

January 5, 2023

I will miss you yelling "Stellaaaaa" every time you walked out of the gym, I will miss you screaming across the gym for me to turn the music up, I will miss mopping up the insane amount of sweat under your ellipitcal every time you did cardio..... I will miss you. Rest easy Sully:(

Janet Marsh

January 5, 2023

There are no words that can adequately express my sorrow and that of my family for the loss of Craig.
He and Chris were like part of the family while growing up. He was honest, caring and so unassuming-made the world a better place in the short time he was here. I have to be out of town this weekend, but if at all possible I will try to be at visiting hours. If not, my thoughts will be with you and your family.

Greg Wilkinson

January 5, 2023

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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