Richard G. Sullivan, Jr.

Richard G. Sullivan, Jr., age 61, formerly of Walpole, passed away in his Plainville, Massachusetts, home on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Richard G. Sullivan, Sr. and Anita (Gulla) Sullivan. Richard attended St. Coletta School in Hanover as a child, moving on to Keefe Technical High School in Framingham, where he was a dedicated member of the swim team. Richard graduated with the Class of 1977. 

Richard worked for various employers including Shield Chemical, InMetal, and most recently as Carriage Manager for Stop & Shop of Foxborough. He always performed his jobs with dignity, kindness, and character. He enjoyed many pastimes, such as swimming, traveling, photography, and exercising at the Vanderbilt, but his passion was watching big time wrestling matches, which he often attended with family and friends. He was also an avid skier and could frequently be found on the slopes in North Conway.

Always active in his community, Richard was a member of the Knights of Columbus Chapter 1319. He participated in the Special Olympics for many years and won numerous medals, most notably at the International Special Olympics held in Chicago in 1970. In 1980, Richard was the subject of a short film titled “A Day in the Life of Richard” which debuted in Boston at the National Down Syndrome Congress.

Richard will be remembered as a man who valued time spent with his family and friends. He had a personality that could light up a room with his wonderful sense of humor, his infectious smile, and generous hugs. 

Loving brother to Mary (Sullivan) Davis and her husband Dan of Westminster, Vermont, Catherine Sullivan-Kropa and her husband William of Marblehead, and Margaret Sullivan of Norfolk. 

Cherished uncle of Rachel Kropa, Dan Davis, Jr., Jonathan Davis, Madeleine Burnley, Katherine Davis, and beloved grand uncle of Cailyn, Connor, Colton, Benjamin, Barlow, Camdyn, Nathan, and Millie.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to celebrate Richard’s life on Thursday, December 13 from 4-7 PM at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street in Walpole on Friday, December 14 at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to The Arc, 789 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA 02090.