1935 – 2021
N. Grosvenordale – On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, Thomas Leo Sullivan passed away at the age of 86.
Tom was born in Southington, Connecticut on November 13, 1935, the youngest of 12 siblings. He leaves behind his only remaining sibling, Sister Dennis Marie, his daughter Beth, his son Andy, daughter in-law Michelle, grandchildren Holly and Edie, and a long list of friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by an equally long list of friends and family that were hard for Tom to lose including his brothers, Joseph, Roger, David, Steven, Jack, and William Sullivan; and his sisters, Helen Fox, Ann Grise, Esther Sullivan, and Patricia Savage. He was also preceded in death by his wife Marsha Lynell Hakala who passed away in 1977 at the young age of 32. This was especially hard on Tom who was left to raise their two young children, who were only 8 and 9, by himself. Exceptionally generous family offered to take in Tom’s kids to make the situation workable, but Tom found a way to raise his children successfully, which is one of his superman feats.
Tom worked hard in his life including unloading rail cars of chicken feed by hand at Chickering Farms and building substations for Connecticut Light and Power. He served in the Army as a radio operator and was proud of his Morse code skills. He went on to put himself through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University by loading baggage and worked a full career flying the DC-9 for Mohawk, Allegheny, and USAir. Another superman feat was when Tom saved many lives and earned the Daedalian Civilian Air Safety Award when he was able to execute an emergency liftoff narrowly climbing over another passenger jet that was accidently taking off on a crossing runway.
Tom loved the company of friends and family, Maine, walking outside, a good dinner out (his treat), golfing, wood working, and taking care of his home. He had old-fashioned values including working hard, respecting your elders, honesty, and helping your friends and neighbors. He did a lot to help his mother-in-law Marion Youhas long after his wife Marsha passed away. He was good with tools and could fix just about anything around the house thanks to his brothers’ teachings, including plumbing, phone, and electric. He had high but achievable expectations and instilled work ethic and an understanding of what employers want in his two children.
Remember Tom when you are enjoying the company of friends and family at one of his favorite places like Valley Springs, the Mansion, or Yummies.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Tom’s family from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, in the Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. A gathering will begin in the funeral home on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 9:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Stephen Church, 130 Old Turnpike Rd., Quinebaug, CT. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Tom’s favorite charity, Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, at holeinthewallgang.org or mail your donations in Tom’s memory to: Hole In The Wall Gang, 555 Long Wharf Dr., New Haven, CT 06511. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Ben
Beth, Andy and other relatives and friends- So sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. Tom was a remarkable man. Generous to a fault, kind and a true gentleman. I know we all miss him deeply. I will always remember his laughter and his stories. I wish like hell I had met him long before I actually did. He was one-of-a-kind. Rest in Peace, Tom.
Nanette
Beth,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I loved him! I wished I got to see him this summer but I know he will never forget the 3 of us going out on Mothers Day in Boston and also Thanksgiving at Antonia’s :)….I love you xoxo
Ginny Lumb
Dear Beth , Andy , Michelle , Holly , and Edie ,
Tom was a great man and it is difficult to put into words how truly special and loving he was.
Family , a strong work ethic , honesty , and helping others was the way he lived each and every day. Beth and Andy always remember he was extremely proud of you. I feel blessed to have had Tom as my dear friend for 40 years and to also have had him as Lydia’s Godfather.
He will be forever loved and missed.
Love ,
Ginny
Susan Collins
Beth , Andy and Sr Dennis Marie; so many connections between our families. We truly share in your sorrow but hope the memories of his beautiful life will keep you strong. Always fondly, Sue and Patrick Collins
Erin
Beth, and Andy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Tom’s passing. I know his siblings are welcoming him into the kingdom of heaven with big smiles. He was.a special man. I have so many wonderful memories of him during summer time in Maine, with Aunt Marsha at your house and even as a single, very cool, young Uncle way back. He always DID love being together with family and friends. We will have to carry on that tradition and visit whenever we can…he would approve. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Becky and Brian West,
Beth and Andy – I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was (as you know) one of the most amazing humans on the planet. Brian and I are thinking of you and I am praying for you both to find comfort and peace during this very difficult time of year to lose a loved one. Beth – you are half my heart . My love is with you. Love, Becky and Brian
Karen Jackson
Tom you were one of the nicest human beings, that I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Until we meet again dear Tom.
Fred & Nancy
Dear Beth , We only had the pleasure of knowing your Dad in recent years but we were always so happy to see him at Yummy’s. He was a wonderful old fashion gentleman and we enjoyed many great conversations with him. Our daughters are bartenders there and frequently commented about how sweet and very generous he was. He will be missed by so many. Our Sincere Condolences, Nancy & Fred McGill
Donna and John
The sight of Mr Sullivan on his daily strolls down our road will be greatly missed. He was such a comforting staple in the neighborhood. May God keep you in the palm of His Hand sir…
Shelley and Frank Theuerkauf
We are so very sorry Bethey and Andy for your dads passing… he was a wonderful man!!!! My dad I we just talking about him the other day. He would come to our house for dinner when he was in Erie… always a pleasure to see him. When he would leave in the plane he would blink the lights and tilt the plane side to side! We all got such a kick out of him!! Love to you all! ❤️❤️Rest In Peace ❤️❤️
Tracy Cunkovski
Dear Beth,
You and your Dad lit up the room at Yummys! He was an amazing gentleman that won the hearts of all those in his presence. What a true and genuinely kind human being he was! He also raised a sweet and kind daughter. Many fond memories of him and his kindness and generosity! Rest In Peace Tom!
Mary Hicks
Beth I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I know how much you loved him and he loved you. You are an amazing daughter who took great care of your dad and put your life aside for him. I am so sorry I didn’t meet him but through our friendship I have learned so much about him. I love how you took him out to his favorite places on a regular basis to spend time with his friends, family and have his enjoyable meals. I am so lucky to have you as a friend and co worker. I am really sad for you because I know how much you are going to miss him. God bless you and I will always be there for you. My condolences to you and your family. ❤
Cathy Bradley
Thinking of all of you at this time. Tom was one of the best!❤️❤️ Cathy Bradley
Janet Doyle
Beth, so sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathies!
Janet Doyle
Pamela Millin
Andy, Beth, and your entire family,
When I think of my uncle, it brings about warmth and love. He was an exceptional man who flew high with anything he did but his real strength was loving all he came into contact with unconditionally and deeply. He loved my Aunt Marsha to the moon and back. No one compared to her. I remember when they lived in Buffalo and our visit to Connecticut. What a blast and how fun our uncle made it for us! I remember those days with such love and admiration. Blessings to you all and may time bring you peace.