Unabridged Eulogy given by Ken:

 

Thank you Father for permitting to share a few words and reflections about Dad as part of this Eucharistic celebration. 

My commentary, may do a little disservice, as a bulk of the discussion  will reflect on events which occurred over the past three years of a most beautifully life lived of eight six years.

 

Before I go into my diatribe, lets reflect that today is a day of much sadness and emotion, but it is also a day of much joy and celebration.   On the glass is half full side we Celebrate the life of Donald James Sullivan:  A life Lived Well. 

We take heed in the words in Psalm 23 The Good Shepherd; and in John Chapter XI where he writes:

     “ I am the resurrection and the life;

        Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,

        And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. 

So my story, and I’m sticking to it, goes back three years to Port Saint Lucie Florida.  Dad’s journey with Congestive hearts problems began to take an uptick in January 2013. 

There was compensation for the build up of fluids in systems, which were controlled by medicine, which than led to dehydration and complications to his kidneys.  At this point Dad was in the weeds.  

When confronted by this and having to return home from Florida, I thought about how do you make sure you truly share the thoughts you have for a person without holding back.  If Dad was to snap back, I wanted to leave something for him to read. 

So I sat in the kitchen, and looking over the lake in their back yard in PGA Village, I wrote him this letter.  I’d like to share it with you: 

 

Dear Dad: 

It was good spending the time with you last week.  While it was a pleasure spending time with Mom and yourself, I was sorry to see the manner in which you were struggling a bit health wise. 

I hope this letter finds you feeling a better.  Try to stay true to the routine of eating, taking your meds, and getting whatever exercise you are strong enough for. 

My other disappointment was that you were not well enough to get up before I left, because I had some things I wanted to say, and the exchange just never took place ( I understand) 

Knowing that I am not for a loss for words, I am going to have Christopher and Gregg share this with you when it arrives.  This is the true reason for my note, and not the healthcare directive I outlined above. 

I wanted to take the time to express my gratitude to you for all you have done for me, the collective us (the family) , and the manner in which you have lived your life and have been an example to me over the years. 

You worked hard your whole life, and gave everything and anything you could. 

While there are many fond memories: Your exploits on the Basketball court, Softball field, and Four Wall Hand Ball Court; Your vacations and travels to Europe and Beach locales galore; The Family together both in the Bronx, and Ridgewood, the Castle Hill pool, the Jersey Shore, Hilton Head; Teaching me to play sports or drive a car (You remember the Chrysler Imperial with the imaginary brake pedal on the side where you were sitting).  

While these were all experiences and little vignettes that played out, here are some of the things that stand out the most: 

You and Mom provided me with not only the greatest sense of right from wrong, but taught me how to live my life with the utmost integrity and to treat others with dignity and respect . 

You provide me with a path, a faith journey, with Jesus Christ which is the greatest gift fondationally any Mom and Dad could provide their child. 

 You taught me the meaning of the words Love and Sacrifice, and what the sacrament of marriage truly is when played out properly. 

If someone were to ask me about you, two thoughts would come to mind:

1. My Dad is a man of unconditional Love.
2. Throughout my Life, my Dad was always there for me, and  “I NEVER HAD TO ASK” whatever the circumstances.

 

While I’ll see you again soon in March, begin to feel better.

Just wanted you to know how much I Love you, and how “PROUD” I am to have you as my father.  I’ll close for now, in the same manner in which you have signed all your cards over the years: 

                        “With All My Love”

Respectfully,

Ken

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Before I go on, Just an editorial note:  Please insert the words We for I; Us for Me, Our for My because everyone in this chapel felt the same way. 

In addition, when I speak publicly for business, I generally do not use notes or stand behind a podium.  This was all a cheap trick so that I could plow though this without getting too emotional.  Please don’t look unkindly on me if I cant look up.  

Fast forward till today three years later, Dad convalesced and recovered from his illness.   God continued to teach us through Dad/Donald’s life. 

Over the next three years, there was a decision to move north from Florida.  The last stop on the train was a two year stint spent up in Bucks County with my family.  

As I described a series of experiences and fond memories  as I outlined  in my letter, those experiences were again overshadowed by what I saw with my eyes and felt in my heart. 

While there were no longer days at the beach anymore more (So to speak) , there were many good days, up until the last couple of months.  

I saw Dad live his to the fullest, and try to be strong at all times. I saw the same gentle man, his smile, and an occasional korney joke at the dinner table. 

Through my wife and children, I saw an embracing lot, who not only did the tangible things of renovating a house to accommodate my parents needs, but filled that home with a true love and support. 

Through my Brothers there was always a caring word, support, and prayer, 

Through Mom (Still directing traffic for the family), She was there every day.  Despite a bad back, and often in pain, with the exception of one day with a twenty four inch snow fall, she was there at the hospital and rehab hospital to share her love and support for her beloved husband.  

Thank you God, for all of this. 

When arranging this funeral you are handed a bunch of death certificates for use in a variety of financial and administrative purposes. 

-          The Local Registrar’s cause of death reads:  Respiratory failure; End Stage Cardiac arrest.

-          Ours reads:  Donald James Sullivan:  A Life lived well.

 

So in closing, We thank God for the gift of Donald James Sullivan , and we entrust him into your Love and Care in Heaven. 

Rest In Peace.

 

Obituary below:

Donald J. Sullivan of Newtown and formerly of Ridgewood, NJ and Port St. Lucie, FL passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne with his loving wife and family by his side. He was 86.

Donald was the beloved husband of 59 years to Constance D. Williams Sullivan.

Born in New York, NY, he was a son of the late Joseph and Helen Hyland Sullivan, and pre-deceased by his sister, Virginia Hughes.

Don was a proud member of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. He later led a long career as a photo engraver, working for the New York Post, the Long Island Press, and the New York Times, his career having spanned over 40 years. Together with his wife he was a faithful parishioner of St. Helena’s Church in the Bronx, NY, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Ridgewood, NJ, and St. Bernadette’s Church in Port St. Lucie, FL.

Don was an avid sports fan and was especially fond of the Brooklyn Dodgers, the New York Mets, and the New York Giants, he was also an dedicated fan of Notre Dame teams.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kenneth Sullivan and his wife, Christine, Christopher Sullivan and his wife, Katie, and Gregg Sullivan and his wife, Angelique. He also leaves behind his brother, Gerald Sullivan and his wife, Beverly, and his grandchildren, Patrick, Kelly, Lauren, Kevin, Meghan, Riley, and Madeline. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Thomas Hughes.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.) Richboro, PA 18954. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Thursday, February 25, 2016 in the Our Lady of Queen of Peace Chapel at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Ave., Hawthorne, NY 10532-2205. His interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Don’s name to the American Heart Association, 5455 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214.

---