Martin D. Sullivan Jr.

1945 - 2022

Groton - Martin D. Sullivan Jr., 76, of Groton passed away June 3, 2022, after living a life full of love and laughter. He was known to many as a police officer, bus driver for the Nutmeggers and Securitas and an avid New York Yankee fan. But his most important titles in life were son, brother, uncle, husband, father and Papa.

Martin was born Aug. 15, 1945, in Queens, N.Y., to Martin Dominic and Gertrude Jean (Wilson) Sullivan. He later became the loving husband to Paula Conklin Sullivan on Aug. 17, 1968. Martin was a graduate of Robert E. Fitch Senior High School in 1963 and the University of New Haven in 1974. He was also a Veteran of the United States Air Force receiving an Honorable discharge on June 9, 1967. Although Martin's enlistment was only four years, his service and his love for serving his country was evident through the patriotism he displayed on a daily basis.

Martin was hired as a police officer for the Town of Groton on April 18, 1968. He served the community for 31 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. Special interests throughout his career included accident reconstruction, EMT and he was a lifetime member of the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling the country with his wife, photographing nature and spending time with his family, especially his eight grandchildren, Phineas, Andrew, Elijah, Julian, Me'Khai, Quinn, Silas and Aurora.

Martin's commitment of service to his community was obvious through the years as a parent volunteer for the Nutmeg Volunteer Junior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps of Groton. He served as the president and beloved bus driver. He found joy in spending time with his children and other family members, who were musicians, as they traveled the eastern seaboard performing in parades and musters.

In addition to his parents, Martin was predeceased by his sister Loretta Sullivan (December 2021) and her longtime companion Lyn Marczyk (March 2021); and his brother John Sullivan (December 2020) and sister-in-law Ann Sullivan (July 2020). He is survived by his wife Paula E. Sullivan of Groton; and his three children, Suzanne Sullivan Wheeler and her husband Matt of Grand Prairie, Texas, Martin D. Sullivan III and his wife Emily Plourde Sullivan of Gales Ferry and Jeannette Sullivan Hickey and her husband Terrence Hickey of Norwich. He is also survived by his siblings, Thomas, Robert, Kathleen, and their families.

Martin's wife and children welcome family and friends to visit with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 13, in the Parish Hall of the Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, at the same location. Please consider wearing red, white and blue on Tuesday to honor Martin's patriotism. The service will also be live streamed for individuals who are unable to attend. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made in his memory to The Nutmeg Volunteer Junior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps, PO Box 588, Groton, CT 06340 or by visiting their website at www.nutmegfifeanddrum.org.