James E. Sullivan

JAMES E SULLIVAN, SR. 92, of West Roxbury, formerly Roslindale, for 66 years the loving husband of Margaret M (Peggy Padden) Sullivan.  Cherished father of Mary and Gary Thomann of Plymouth, Margaret R Sullivan of West Roxbury, James, Jr. and Ingrid Silverstein of Sharon, Christopher of Easthampton, John and Carol of Marshfield, Peter and Barbara of Newton, Catherine and Luay Awqatty of Cambridge, Thomas and Emily Sullivan of Westwood, Bridget and Michael Dunn of Foxboro, Elizabeth and Michael Sullivan of West Roxbury, and the late Patrick and Andrew.  Very proud grandfather to 23 grandchildren: Jack, Austin, Patrick, Owen, Brian, Romer, Callum, Bella, Jonah, Elijah, Maggie, Andrew, Grace, Hudson, Desmond, Vivienne, and Juliette Sullivan, and Michael, Maria, Adrienne, Fiona, Anthony, and Joseph Dunn. Devoted brother to Captain Mary Rose Sullivan (USN retired) of Westwood and Woburn, and the late John J Sullivan Jr. and Captain Elinor M. Sullivan, USN.  Loved and appreciated by daughters-in-law Carolyn Sullivan and Nicole Romer.

Visiting hours will be held in the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury, on Monday morning, December 23, from 9:00 to 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Holy Name Church at 11:00 am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

Interment Mt. Benedict cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, donations to Anna's Pals, 53 Addington Road West Roxbury MA 02132 or https://www.annaspals.org/the-beach-house  supporting immunocompromised children and their families, or to Voice of the Faithful P.. Box 920408  Needham MA 02492

Jim grew up in Brighton, East Boston, and Somerville, the son of John J. and Elinor (Crotty) Sullivan.  He graduated Christopher Columbus High School before enlisting in the Navy.  Upon Jim's  return, his sister Elinor introduced him to classmate Peggy Padden, and the rest is history.  Jim kept the photo of them at her senior prom with him to his final days. Jim worked full time to support his growing family while attending Boston College Evening Division on the GI Bill, graduating just as their third child was born.  He was a CPA and auditor with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Rate Setting Commission.  For many years, Jim was an active member of Holy Name Parish, coach with Parkway Little League, PTA treasurer at his ten children's many schools, and in his retirement, a member of Voice of the Faithful.  Jim enjoyed long walks in any weather and time in his woodworking shop creating gifts for grandchildren. Motto: Measure twice, cut once.  Jim and Peggy modeled a loving marriage, always ready to dance around the kitchen when a favorite song came on the radio.  Their wedding song "True Love" described their life together to the end, with Jim remaining home in Peggy's tender care as his Alzheimer's progressed.  They were their children's first and best teachers. Money was tight, but their home had love and laughter in abundance.  Papa was his grandchildren's biggest fan, attending youth sports, recitals, and Grandparents Day at schools around the state, and a faithful letter writer to lonesome kids away at summer camp or bootcamp.  Any fussy baby could be soothed on Papa's shoulder as he hummed to them while dancing.  He delighted in becoming a grandfather again just this year.  For all you did for all of us, thank you, Papa! 

To view the funeral mass via Livestream, please click the link below.