Joseph Francis Sullivan
- June 15, 2012
- Salem, Massachusetts
of Joseph's Passing
- Expressions of sympathy may be made in Sully's name to the:
-
Salem Firefighters Relief Association
48 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970
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46 Washington Square
Salem,
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01970
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Memories & Candles
Previous
“I met Sully and his wife Louise when they moved into the assisted living apartment where I worked as a nurse. Anytime day or night I would walk into...Read More »
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1 of 22 | Posted by: Elizabeth P Jones - Georgetown, MA
““My prayers are with the Sullivan/Grasso family. God Bless"
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2 of 22 | Posted by: Ann Marie - Danvers, MA
“My prayers are with the Sullivan/Roos family God bless
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3 of 22 | Posted by: Ann Marie - Danvers, MA
“Shirley.....I will remember your parents fondly.....always enjoyed being at your home, with the wonderful meals always being prepared by your mother....Read More »
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4 of 22 | Posted by: Ann St.Pierre Edgerton - DAnvers, MA
“Dear Cousin Joe and Louise.
You were always so kind and generous with your love to the whole family. I love you both for how special you were to...Read More »
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5 of 22 | Posted by: "Tommy" Henry - Salem - Cousin
“Dear Joyce and Family
My Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I can't believe that we were just talking last week. I remember all of...Read More »
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6 of 22 | Posted by: Marilyn Limongiello - MA
“May the memory of your loved ones and their happiness together give you comfort in their parting together. It is a wonderful tribute to their live...Read More »
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7 of 22 | Posted by: Deborah McManus - Topsfield, MA
“To the Sullivan family and fire fighter brothers. My father Francis Warren had the privilege and honor to work with Chief Sullivan. May your memories...Read More »
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8 of 22 | Posted by: Angela Cincotta - mashpee, MA
“I didn't know Great-Uncle Joe very well mostly because I'm only 13, but I know my grandfather and him were very close. I'm the granddaughter of...Read More »
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9 of 22 | Posted by: Caisey Rotcavich 
- Lynn, MA
“To the Sullivan Family our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Joe and Louise were two wonderful people and will be missed by all who knew them....Read More »
”
10 of 22 | Posted by: Tim Hosman - Salem, MA - Friend
“Joe Sullivan was a Chief's Chief. He was respected by all for his excellence in the Fire Service. When I retired at the young age of 45 from a knee...Read More »
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11 of 22 | Posted by: Lt. Mike Skinner - Danvers , MA
“To the Sullivan Family,
For many years, your dad was the Coordinator of the Fire Science Administrsation Program at Salem State University. In that...Read More »
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12 of 22 | Posted by: Arlene Greenstein - Salem, MA
“condolenses to the family from a brother firefighter and mass fire academy fellow instructor. Joe was a great friend and we did some great...Read More »
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13 of 22 | Posted by: lou crescentini,deputy chief retired, somerville fire dept - MA
“To the Sullivan Family:
My deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your Mother & Father, Joe was a great co-worker in public safety and a...Read More »
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14 of 22 | Posted by: John Smedile - Saint Petersburg, FL
“RIP Brother Joe. May you and Louise find peace in each others company forever. The fire service and community you served will miss your dedication,...Read More »
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15 of 22 | Posted by: Doug Conrad - Danvers, MA
“I didn't know your father Janet, but I don't need to know him (even though I would like to) to understand what are you feeling, I'm a son too and I...Read More »
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16 of 22 | Posted by: Esteban Garcia Santiago de Chile
“My thoughts are with you , Janet and your family at this time. So sorry for the passing of your father and your mother.
Many many hugs and...Read More »
”
17 of 22 | Posted by: belinda disilvio - natick, MA
“Uncle Joe I will forever remember the love you showed all of us through our life, I will try to pay it forward in honor of you and Louise. I will...Read More »
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18 of 22 | Posted by: Maureen Sullivan Torrisi - MA
“I was very saddened to hear of Chief Sullivan's passing. I will be forever grateful for his guidance and the opportunities he provided to me...Read More »
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19 of 22 | Posted by: Fire Chief Stephen J. Rivard, (ret) - MA
“You were an inspiration that kept me wanting to know more and advance my training an education. I always enjoyed our conversations and discussions on...Read More »
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20 of 22 | Posted by: Bill Middlemiss - Methuen, MA
“Uncle Joe - What can I say, you where the best at everything you did, from being a parent, grandparent, brother, and uncle and firefighter. I am so...Read More »
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21 of 22 | Posted by: Theresa Sullivan McPherson - MA
“Thank you Joe, for the help and guidance you provided to me as a young firefighter and fire officer. Your promotion of an educated fire service has...Read More »
”
22 of 22 | Posted by: Bill Dolan - North Andover, MA
Ret. Salem Fire Chief, Joseph Francis Sullivan 83, of Salem, beloved husband of sixty two years to Louise (Grasso) Sullivan, died on his birthday, Friday, June 15th, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family and at the side of his treasured wife following a lengthy illness.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Joseph F and Annie Louise (Trabucco) Sullivan. He was raised and educated in Peabody and attended St. John's School in Peabody. At the age of 16, Sully, joined the Merchant Marines and served his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Korean War.
During Sully's younger years he had been employed alongside his father at the former A.C. Lawrence Leather Company in Peabody and at the former T.J. O'Keefe Leather Company. His years as a leather worker cemented the hard work ethic instilled by his parents and siblings. A dedicated and lifelong learner, Chief Sullivan earned his bachelor's degree from Boston State College in Business and his Master's Degree of Public Administration from Suffolk University.
Chief Sullivan began a career serving the public as a fire fighter with the City of Salem in 1963. He rose through the ranks of the department being named Lieutenant in 1966, Captain in 1971, and Deputy Fire Chief in 1972 and eventually earning the designation as Chief of the City of Salem Fire Department in 1986. Throughout his years of service Chief Sullivan always placed the lives of the residents of the City of Salem and his brother fire fighters above all else.
Professionally, Chief Sullivan will be remembered as dedicated firefighter, a national expert and instructor of Fire Safety Training and the Fire Chief who brought growth, educational advancement, technological improvement and national recognition to the Salem Fire Department.
When the bell rang, Sully answered in every aspect of his life. Always the dedicated husband, father and grandfather, he faithfully encouraged his family and friends to give their all and best to each of their endeavors. His spirit and enthusiasm for life will live on through the accomplishments of his family. He was always very proud of both his Sullivan Family and his Salem Fire Department family. A well versed instructor of fire safety training, Chief Sullivan mentored many young aspiring fire fighters through his teaching of Fire Science courses at Dartmouth College through the National Fire Academy and was the Coordinator of the Fire Science Program at Salem State College and North Shore Community College. He was the First President of the Local 1780 Fire fighters Association; he was appointed the Head of the Boston Arson Task force by Governor Dukakis.
With Louise as his most ardent supporter, confidant and love of his life, it is only fitting that they enter heaven together by each other's side for eternity.
Chief Sullivan is survived by his daughters, Shirley Sullivan of Salem and her ex-husband, Nelson Higgins of Peabody, Joanne Parent and her husband Richard of Salem, Janet Sullivan Roos and her husband Christopher of Topsfield and Joyce Sullivan and her husband Jon Klingensmith of Topsfield, his ten grandchildren, David Higgins and his wife Melissa of Merrimack, NH, Nicole Salemi and her husband Stephen of Marblehead, Christine Gross and her husband Jason of Danvers, Amy Parent of Salem, Michelle Higgins and her fiancé Stefan St. Amand of Salem, Brian Higgins and his fiancé Valarie Sturiale of Stoneham, Kimberly Wilson and her husband David of Salem, Joe Sullivan Klingensmith, Jake Klingensmith of Topsfield and Christopher Roos of Topsfield. His 5 great grandchildren, his siblings, Rose Voderis of Rowley, Margaret Lessor of San Antonio, Texas, Susan Ballou of Pennsylvania, Richard Sullivan of Danvers and John Sullivan of Sanborn, N.H. and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family including his greatest friend Richard Arno of Salem. He was also the brother of the late George, Charles and William Sullivan, Elizabeth Davidson, Mary Ann Ridell and Bernadette Daley.
ARRANGEMENTS: Sully & Louise's funeral will be held from The O'Donnell Funeral Home 46 Washington Sq., (At Salem Common) Salem, Thursday at 10 A.M. followed by their funeral Mass in St. John the Baptist Church, Church St., Peabody at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours Wednesday from 3 to 8 P.M.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Sully's name to the Salem Firefighters Relief Association, 48 Lafayette St., Salem, MA 01970.
To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
