Calling Hours: 5 to 8 pm Monday June 16, 2014
Mass: 10:30 am Tuesday June 17, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Church, Tuckahoe
Walter E. Sullivan, Jr. (89) of Centreville, Maryland, passed away after a long-fought illness, on June 11, 2014. Born to Walter and Regina Sullivan in Bronxville, New York on May 18, 1925, Walter spent his childhood in Tuckahoe, New York. Upon his graduation from Fordham Preparatory School, in 1943, Walter enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country with honor in the rank of ensign aboard the LSM 237, through the conclusion of hostilities in the Pacific campaign.
Subsequent to his discharge from the Navy, Walter attended Columbia University, where he received a bachelor’s of arts degree in English and a master’s degree in education. In 1955, Walter married Sheila Weir of the Bronx. The two lived in Bronxville until 1960, when they moved to Yorktown Heights, New York, where they raised six children. For over thirty years, Walter worked in the advertising business for several Madison Avenue agencies, starting as an account executive and eventually transitioning to media planning – a field in which he distinguished himself.
In 1999, Walter and Sheila followed their daughter Laura Richeson and her family to Maryland. After Sheila’s passing in 2002, Walter resided with Laura and her family, whom he cherished, and whom the entire family will forever be grateful to for providing Walter with loving care through his final years.
Walter was predeceased by his wife, Sheila (2002), his son Walter E. Sullivan, III (1978), his daughter Julia Modrak (1998), and grandson Luke Sullivan (2000). He is survived by his children Matthew Sullivan and his wife Gerda of Warwick, New York, Gerald Sullivan and his wife Ann Marie of Crestwood, New York, Frederick Sullivan and his wife Donna, of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, Laura Richeson and her companion Kurt Bergeron of Centreville, Maryland, son in-law John D Modrak of Webster, New York, and his grandchildren Cara Sullivan, Ian Sullivan, J.D. Modrak, Kaelyn Modrak, Meghan Modrak, Teresa Sullivan, John Sullivan, Declan Sullivan, Julia Sullivan, Ryan Richeson, Sheila Richeson and Sean Richeson.
As a rule, Walter never uttered the phrase “goodbye,” preferring to say “so long” or “see you later.” See you later, indeed, Dad.
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