Dennis Franklin Sullivan

Dennis F. Sullivan Obituary

Dennis Franklin Sullivan, 79, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, co-worker, and veteran, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2024, at the VA Medical Center in West Roxbury. He will be missed by all who knew his generosity, quick-witted humor, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. He will continue to live on through the lasting impact he had on those whose lives he touched.

Dennis was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 30, 1945, and lived in Roxbury for most of his childhood. He graduated from Boston Latin High School in 1962 and attended Northeastern University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972, majoring in English. Dennis proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War, from 1968 to 1971, achieving the rank of Specialist 6. During his service, he earned three honors for his bravery and dedication. A talented linguist, Dennis spent most of his military career stationed in Berlin, Germany, with his first wife Dara (Young) Keenan and mother of his two children, daughter Darcey (Sullivan) and son James (Jamie). He maintained his linguistic skills throughout his life, often sharing short phrases in German, Italian, Spanish, French, Latin, and later Korean. His time in the military was a source of great pride, and he carried the values of discipline, leadership, and selflessness throughout his life.

Dennis loved and cared deeply for his family and friends, often showing this care in quiet, assured ways. He had a big influence without needing to be the center of attention. He had a seemingly boundless giving hand for others and an incredible determination not to receive in return. If you knew Dennis, you knew he always had your back and would show up at a moment’s notice, not asking for recognition or acknowledgment. Those of us closest to him learned that to show love and care for Dennis, you reciprocated in a language that made sense to him: show up, keep your word, and respect differences. Intelligent and witty, he loved a good riddle and told many a good joke. A critical thinker, he enjoyed the banter of a good debate, the challenge of building and home repair projects, the complexity of language and grammar, the thrill of planning some fine parties, and also playing the lottery. Unfortunately, the birthday date combinations of his loved ones never hit! He took pride in looking sharp and being well-dressed while espousing the virtue of recognizing the value of a hard-earned dollar. Dennis moved through the world in a way that might be described as stoic, but not in a way that was emotionless or indifferent; rather, it helped him stand in the face of adversity in calm ways. He might be described as the perfect companion with whom to have a beer and some whole belly fried clams at the Red Wing Diner.

Dennis devoted himself to public service throughout his career, working primarily for the Commonwealth of MA District Court System, in Stoughton, Roxbury, and mainly at Dorchester District Court, where he was 1st Assistant Clerk for many years. Dennis’s group of co-workers significantly contributed to his sense of purpose and meaning.

Over the last years of his life, after he and his wife Aekyong (Chaang) moved to Centerville and he retired, Dennis was able to continue his love of bird feeding, searching for the best way to keep the critters out of the bird seed, tending to the yard, and finding the best bargains. His relationship and life with Aekyong was one of deep love, care, healing, and much-deserved peace. His neighborhood became a source of significant joy as he made great friends with whom he regularly walked, joked, and found meaningful connections that we know brought much delight and meaning to his life.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Aekyong; daughter, Darcey, and her husband, Denis Surette; and son, Jamie, and his wife, Becky. He leaves behind his brothers, Paul D. and Mark S., and was preceded in death by his brother, Barry S., and parents, Paul J. and Anne (Rennie) Sullivan. Dennis has three grandchildren, Tory and Ryan Surette, and Bennett Sullivan; a group of adoring nephews, David, Matt, Ryan, Oliver, and Andrew; and a cherished niece, Kerri (Berry).

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the professionals at the VA Medical Center in West Roxbury for providing the utmost compassionate care and support. We’d also like to thank everyone at the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home for providing invaluable service and guidance through this difficult time with kindness and sensitivity.

Visiting hours to be held Saturday, September 28 from 2pm-6pm at Lawler Funeral Home, 1803 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA.  On September 30,  a short service will be held at Lawler Funeral Home at 12pm, followed by a graveside service with military honors at 2:30pm, at The Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations to Veterans Affairs, Joslin Diabetes Center or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research would be appreciated, or a personal story or memory you experienced with Dennis sent to the following email address would add to the family’s celebration of his life (darceysurette@aol.com).  US Army, SPC 6

Dennis will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends, and his legacy of love and care will live on in all those whose lives he touched.