John James Sullivan, Sully, 66 of Natick, MA died unexpectedly of natural causes on 3/25/2011.
Formerly of Lowell, John leaves behind his beloved wife of 41 years, Lynda. They made their home in South Natick where they raised their two children Meghan and Tobin. At their family cabin on Loon Lake in Rangeley, ME, John loved boating, running, hiking, camping, swimming and biking with his family. John was also an avid runner and cross-country skier, completing 7 Boston Marathons and many ski competitions. Tracing his genealogy back to Ireland, John visited the Sullivan-Dunboy castle on multiple occasions with his family.
John attended Keith Academy, Cornell University (B.A.) and Boston College (M.A.). A devoted and distinguished Professor of History, he taught at Mass Bay Community College for 40 years where he specialized in American History and also developed numerous courses incorporating modern developments in African, Middle Eastern, and Asian History.
He is survived by his wife, Lynda Onthank Sullivan; his daughter Meghan Onthank Sullivan and her fiancé Matthew Stiff of Champaign, IL; his son Tobin Pierce Sullivan of Brookline; his sisters Margaret Montague of South Portland, ME, Virginia Almeder and her husband Robert of Kennebunkport, ME; loving nieces and nephews; in-laws; and his faithful black lab Carley. He was predeceased by his parents Lillian Hayes and James Gregory Sullivan of Lowell, his sister Mary Malouin of Nashua, NH, and aunt Sister John Sullivan of Regis College, Weston.
A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on April 2 at First Congregational Church in Natick. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust PO Box 249, Oquossoc, ME 04964 for conservation of Loon Lake and similar lands in the future. A plaque will be placed at Loon Lake in honor of John. Arrangements are under the direction of John Everett & Sons Funeral Home of Natick. Please visit www.everettfuneral.com to share condolences and tributes with his family.