Ronald Sullivan Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Ronald Sullivan
Start: 2025-10-26T14:00:00.000Z
Location: at the barn

Ronald Sullivan

Sunapee, NH - Ronald Edward Sullivan, 1947 – 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Ron Sullivan of Sunapee, New Hampshire. He died on October 5th, 2025 at home with his loving family.

Ron was born on Coronado Island, San Diego, California on February 6, 1947 to Gerald Sullivan and Mary Watkins Sullivan.

He is survived by his wife Barbara of 57 years, his two children Kathleen Donald and David Sullivan, their spouses Jeffrey Donald and Jessica Sullivan, and his granddaughter Beni Rose Sullivan. He also leaves his brother Jerry Sullivan and his wife Lisa Sullivan, sister-in-law Joan Ruotolo, sister-in-law Maryann Simoni and her husband Kevin Simoni and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by John (Bud) Tuohy who remained his beloved friend throughout his lifetime despite living 3,000 miles apart.

Ron graduated from Tennyson High School and Cal State University at Hayward. In 1969, while still in college, he opened a tiny store called "Stuff for Sale" in Hayward, California, and from there his adventurous spirit, love for old things, and an unquenchable wanderlust set the stage for his wonderful life spent traveling and tracking down fantastic finds.

Ron believed that travel is the very best teacher and that being free to follow your dreams is life's greatest privilege. All his friends and family will miss his presence in the world and will remember his wonderful hugs.

A tribute to Ron is planned for Sunday, October 26th at 2:00pm at the barn at 247 Prospect Hill Road in Georges Mills, New Hampshire. All are most welcome to join us in giving and receiving the hugs he is so famous for as we gather to commemorate his remarkable life.

If you have a special story about Ron, we are putting together a memory book.

Please either send it to: [email protected] or come on the 26th and share it with us. Chadwick Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

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

Published by Valley News on Oct. 15, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Sullivan

Sponsored by Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC - New London.

10 Entries

Andrew Lorton

October 20, 2025

So sad to hear this.Rest in peace Ron,you were a great guy and good friend.I miss the good ole days painting all your places.Condolences Barbara and family.

Diane Hargbol

October 19, 2025

Barbara and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all

Sarah Simoni

October 18, 2025

Dear Aunty Barb, David and Katie,
I am heartbroken for you and for everyone who knew beloved Unc Ron. His was such a vital and enormous life force, it’s hard to believe he’s gone. I first met him back in 1981 at your house. There was this bear of a man with a huge smile, exuding welcoming warmth and dealing out all-enveloping hugs for two slightly shy South African sisters, fresh off the plane. He played raucous games in that marvelous playroom and in the snow with Katie, Dave, Cathy and I, just like the fun-loving ball of enthusiastic big-kid energy he’s always been. I’ll never forget how he roared with infectious laughter when Dave innocently asked if there were lots of lions and tigers walking down our street in South Africa. In later life, I’ve enjoyed chatting to Unc on text messages and getting his unique take on all sorts of things. I adored the man, and I know that his passing will leave a very big Ron shaped hole in the lives of everyone who loved him. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family, and with all love, Sarah x

Billie Barry

October 13, 2025

Barb, Katie and David my heart aches for your loss. So many memories are flooding back to the "good old days".
Ron was always with a smile on his face and ready for a hug. He will be missed by many but never forgotten.
Memories last forever.
With Love to All,
Billie J. Barry

Anne McCormack

October 13, 2025

Ron's enthusiastic energy, light and presence are unforgettable and will remain in my heart forever. His booming laughter and warmth permeated any gathering and gave us each a little more courage. Safe travels, Ron. We miss you.

Joanne Tuxbury

October 12, 2025

My dear Kate, David and Barbara. I am so sorry for your loss My
Memories of our journey to Kyiv, Ukraine remain forever with me. Barbara, you and Ron were an integral piece of that life changing experience. Love and hugs for all at this difficult time. Be at peace.

Doug Windsor

October 9, 2025

It was always such a wonderful wave as Ron drove by our house on the way up Prospect Hill in the convertable. It was really Ron who was the backbone to our oh so special trip to Kiev and the Soviet Union and his idea to introduce the Ukraine's to baseball! Sometimes a parent can be measured by their children and Ron and Barbara have two very special gems. Ahh I'm so sorry to hear but thankyou for your friendship

John Robb

October 9, 2025

We lost a great one. He wi be missed.

Diane Hargbol

October 8, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Thinking of you all

Mike and Catherine Feeney

October 8, 2025

So many trips and dinners and boat rides and canasta games and cookouts and hours of talking and stories and laughing. The love for your sweet Barbara and your kids and extended family, was always carried with you with such pride, topped off most recently by the arrival of the beautiful Beni, your grandchild. Thank you for it all, Ron. This world will never be the same without you. Rest well and watch over us, and please never stop using the yellow pad with the day’s to-do list. We’ll watch for it! Rest in peace, good Irish lad. With so much love, Mick & Cath

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