Richard T. Sullivan

Richard T. Sullivan, age 88, passed away peacefully in his Wrentham, Massachusetts home on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on November 2, 1928, he was the son of the late George A. and Margaret (Berube) Sullivan. He was raised in Walpole, graduating from Walpole High School with the Class of 1947, where he was the goalie of the hockey team. After high school, Richard continued his studies at Mount St. Charles Academy before enrolling at the University of Notre Dame in 1948. He returned to Massachusetts to attend Stonehill College, where he was a member of the first graduating class, earning his B.A. in History and Government in 1952.

Richard married his wife, Gertrude I. Kivi, on May 25, 1952 and the young couple made their home together in Walpole. He continued his education at Boston College, earning his Master's Degree in History and Government, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1953. Richard quickly found work as a 6th grade teacher at the Stone School in Walpole, after which he began teaching history at Walpole High School in 1955. He taught various courses at the high school, including U.S. History, Ancient History, Medieval History, and classes in Government. Richard had a lasting impact on the Social Studies Department at Walpole High School, he redesigned the civics classes and initiated the International Relations course. In addition to teaching, Richard also served as an assistant coach for both the football and baseball teams at the high school.

In 1963, Richard left Walpole High School to take the position of Assistant Principal at the West Junior High School in Walpole. He moved up to the position of Principal in 1979, retiring in 1988, after the name of the school changed to the Eleanor Johnson Middle School. Richard was not limited to his role in education, as his love for sports led him to coach and umpire in the Little League Program in Walpole for many years.

In his off time, Richard loved fishing and playing chess. He could be found on any given day reading a book and enjoying a good drink. Richard will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his unwavering compassion.

Beloved husband of Gertrude I. (Kivi) Sullivan.
Loving father of Kathie Farrington and her husband Wayne of CT, Scott Sullivan of Wrentham, Brian Sullivan of DE, and Nancie McDonald and her husband Keith of Attleboro.
Cherished grandfather of Jessica, Melissa, Nicolette, Justine, and Adelle and great grandfather of Molly, Keegan, Haley, and Julia.
Brother of Carol Betro and her husband Joe of East Walpole, the late George Sullivan and his wife Pat, the late Irene Smith and her husband Irving, and the late Evelyn Baldassari and her surviving husband Ed.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 between 10 and 11 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will be held following at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Richard T. Sullivan Scholarship Fund, c/o Walpole Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 58, East Walpole, MA 02032