Richard L. Sullivan

Richard Leo Sullivan of Reading, MA passed away at age 79 on January 13, 2014, following a long battle with emphysema, diabetes, and cancer.

Richard was born in Melrose, MA on September 23, 1934, to the late Leo Sullivan and Edith (Conway) Sullivan. He grew up in Melrose and graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in Boston's North End. Upon graduation from high school in 1952, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country with pride until his discharge in 1956. After serving in the Marine Corps, Richard enrolled at Northeastern University and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Finance.

Responding to the mantra of his beloved President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you…ask what you can do for your Country," Richard switched gears and obtained his teaching certification in the Spring of 1962 from Boston State College. He started teaching in the Lynnfield Public School System in the Fall of 1962, and remained there until his retirement in the Spring of 1994.

Mr. Sullivan was an avid reader, coin collector, historian, and most importantly to him, a member of "The Few. The Proud. The Marines." He was also the devoted "Beepa" to his four grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his cherished and loving wife of 53 years, Roberta (Kelley) Sullivan, his children Steven (Jennifer) Sullivan, Donna Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, and Paul (Paige) Sullivan, and his four grandchildren Alec, Eliza, Aidan, and Riley Sullivan.

He was the devoted brother to Barbara Dolloff, Midge Gould, Virginia Harris, Robert Sullivan, the late William Sullivan, and Mary Jane Sullivan. He was also the loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Funeral from the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St. READING. Saturday January 18, 2014 at 9:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Richard's Eternal Life in St. Athanasius Church 300 Haverhill St. Reading at 10:30am. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with the Family on Friday, January 17, 2014 from 3-7pm in the Funeral Home. Parking attendants and handicapped entrance are available. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Wood End Cemetery, Reading.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Richards' name to the Sawtelle Family Hospice House, Development Office VNA of Middlesex-East 607 North Avenue, Suite 17 Wakefield, MA 01880 (www.vnaofme.org).

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome