Obituary: John Edward Sullivan, 76; Formerly Of Fairfield

GREENWICH, CT — (From Spear-Miller Funeral Home): John Edward Sullivan, 76, of Greenwich, passed away on December 14, 2023.

He leaves his son Sean E. Sullivan and his husband Mark W. Hamilton, his sisters Margaret Sabia and Gail Pendergast, father-in-law Donald C. Tibbetts, sisters-in-law Susan Rogers and her husband Albert II and Sally Cunningham. He also leaves nephews Joshua Sabia, Jesse Sabia, Brian Pendergast, Albert Rogers III, nieces Sara Biadasz, Laura Erb, their spouses, grand niece and grand nephews. His beloved wife Joan T. Sullivan predeceased him in May 2021.

John was the son of the late Cornelius J. Sullivan III and Mary E. (Fulton) Kinzel. Born and raised in Greenwich, he resided in Fairfield for 45 years. He graduated from Greenwich High School, Manchester Community College and served in the Air National Guard.

John had a 40-year career in sales and management at automobile dealerships throughout Fairfield County before retiring from Audi of Fairfield. He was a lifelong New York Giants fan(atic), enjoyed playing on his company softball leagues, serving on the GHS Reunion Committee, playing pickleball and fundraising for the American Cancer Society. John and Joan enjoyed domestic and international travel, as well as time with family and friends.

John was a skilled craftsman and award-winning model maker. Starting with small car, boat and plane models as a young man, he honed his craft for decades, ultimately creating spectacular plank-on-frame models of 18th century fully rigged warships and early 20th century mahogany runabouts by Chris Craft and others. His runabout models were featured in magazines and won awards at model boat shows. They are marvels of beauty and his precision craftsmanship.

In August 2014 John suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury. He received care and resided for the last 9 years at The Nathaniel Witherell in Greenwich. Despite his injury, he maintained his preternatural sociability and good cheer, enjoying visits from many lifelong friends and family. The Sullivan family would like to express our gratitude to the extraordinary staff and volunteers at The Nathaniel Witherell.

Calling hours will be held January 10, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 S. Benson Rd., Fairfield.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Spear-Miller Funeral Home here.