Joseph P. Sullivan
Passed away March 12, 2022 at age 90.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, John and Nora (Healy), by his brothers, John (Margaret) and Thomas (Audrey); and by his beloved daughter Julia (Douglas). He is survived by his wife, Patricia (“Patsy”); brother Edward (Josephine) and sister Maureen; children Ellen (Bruce), Joan (Thomas), Nora, and Deirdre (Andrew); grandchildren, Joseph, Marianne (Michael), Christopher, Hugh (fiance’ Kathleen), Molly, Julia, Jack, Caroline, Emily, Patrick (fiance’ Emma), Timothy, Bridget, Sean, Michael and Grace and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Joe was born and raised in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx. He graduated from Power Memorial High School (’48), St. John’s University (’52) and St. John’s University Law School (’57). He received his LLM from the University of Virginia School of Law (’84).
During the Korean War, Joe served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division.
Joe was elected in 1969 to serve as a judge to the Civil Court of NYC. In 1972, Joe was elected to the NYS Sup. Ct. In 1978, Gov. Hugh Carey appointed Joe to serve as a Justice on the Appellate Division, 1st Dept. Among his many consequential opinions, none drew more attention than his 1983 decision involving the infamous Yankees/Royals “pine tar” game. Joe denied the Yankees’ effort to enjoin continuation of the game by proclaiming from the bench “Play ball” putting aside his bias as a life-long Yankee fan. He had the distinction of being the longest serving Appellate Division Justice in State history – 30 years.
A ten-times finalist for nomination to the NYS Ct. of Appeals, Justice Sullivan vacated his seat on the 1st Dept. in 2007 at age 76. He continued his distinguished legal career at Holland & Knight until his retirement at the age of 85.
Joe was a devoted Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Assumption (Bronx), St. Rosalie’s (Hampton Bays), and St. Joseph’s (Bronxville) R.C. parishes.
Although a true “lawyer’s lawyer” and a dedicated jurist, Joe was never happier than when he was at Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays surrounded by his family, enjoying the warm weather and discussing world events. He was often spotted walking laps around his Bronxville home, even on the coldest of days. He possessed an outstanding intellect, a love of laughter, an infectious smile and a warm heart. Joe’s proudest accomplishments are his five daughters, 15 grandchildren, and his 63-year marriage to Patsy. Joe will be missed by all who knew him.
Joe will be waked at McGrath’s Funeral Home, Bronxville, NY, on Tuesday evening, March 15, 2022 from 4 to 8 pm. A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Bronxville, NY, on March 16, 2022 at 10:45 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to: “St. John’s University”, Attn: School of Law Development, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439.
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Shirley Werner Kornreich says
March 14, 2022 at 12:45 pmI was so sad to hear of Joes’s death. I was luckey enough to have argued before him while he sat on the Appellate Division, and to my delight, be a colleague of his on the PJI Comm. What a decent, delightful man. May his memory be a blessing for all of you, Shirley Kornreich
Ann Hegarty says
March 14, 2022 at 3:38 pmSo sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, his presence will be missed at the Brooklands
victoria Lia Bush says
March 15, 2022 at 12:02 pmDear Family,
I am so sorry for your loss; Joe was a beautiful example of what it means to be a follower of Christ.
He was a kind and gentle man who lived his faith in God by serving his fellow men.
May Joe rest in Peace and rise in Glory.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vicki
Jim O’Sullivan says
March 16, 2022 at 9:02 pmTo The Sullivan Family:
Our deepest condolences on the loss of cousin Joe. Sorry we couldn´t make it to NY for the services but are thoughts are with all of you.
Ar dheis Dè go raibh a anam dìlis.
Jim O´Sullivan & Family from Winthrop, Ma
Michael Healy - an Irish cousin says
March 18, 2022 at 5:26 amOur deepest condolences to all the Sullivan family on the loss of cousin Joe. He was a kind and gentle man. He will be missed by his many Irish cousins. May Joe rest in Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Deirdre Belden says
March 22, 2022 at 9:10 amThanks so much Michael!
Mario Astarita says
March 31, 2022 at 12:59 pmI was so sorry to hear of The Judges passing away. For many years we would talk after the 8:00AM mass at St. Rosalie’s in Hampton Bays. He was wealth of knowledge and a true gentleman. My prayers are with him, and your family.