Kevin J. Sullivan (WNG File Photo)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield News would like to offer our sincerest sympathies to the Sullivan family on the unexpected loss of Kevin J. Sullivan on Sunday, Sept. 16. Kevin Sullivan was a respected area attorney and was serving his third term on the School Committee, currently as vice-chair. More important than that, he was a beloved father, husband, son and brother, a good friend, and a passionate advocate for the City of Westfield and the Westfield Public Schools. We thought the best way to honor him would be through the words of his family, friends and colleagues who consistently described him as “one of the good guys.”
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan
“I didn’t just lose a brother, I lost my best friend. He’s going to be sorely missed, apparently not just by my family, but by the whole community. It’s been non-stop texts and emails.
“He’s one of the good guys. It’s been overwhelming to the whole family all those who’ve reached out, whose lives he touched – seniors, people my age, people he’s coached over the years.
“You don’t see something like this coming. It’s a shock, unbelievable – it’s just not fair.
“Thank you to everyone in the community who has reached out and given their thoughts and prayers. It makes us know that everyone knew what a good guy he was. It means a lot to my parents, his wife and kids, and to all the rest of us.”
Barry “Bo” Sullivan
“Kevin was the best, and I’m going to miss him. He was a great friend, brother, father; friends with everybody in town. The School Committee meant everything to him, just being involved in the community in that way (was a highlight for him). Westfield was everything to him.
“But, I’m going to miss golfing, playing cards, watching the Red Sox and Patriots on TV with him. It’s going to be hard, but Kevin would want us to go on. He was one of the best, and we’re all going to miss him.”
Kevin Sullivan speaks to a third grade class in March 2017. (WNG file photo)
City Council President John J. Beltrandi, III
“You would be hard-pressed to find a better person. He was level-headed, very easy to deal with. He was also my attorney for real estate transactions. He was extremely well respected (in the field).
“He did so much for the school, for the kids, for the teachers. You can’t replace people like that. For the City Council, it’s a big deal. Kevin did so much on the school side of things.
‘There’s not a tighter knit family. This has been devastating. Words cannot say. Kevin was a good, all-around guy. A guy like that is invaluable. You can’t replace him. I feel bad for the family and everyone else.”
Former Mayor Daniel Knapik
“First I would like to extend from my family to the Sullivan Family our sincerest condolences. Growing up with Kevin since elementary school (he was a year older than I am) he was like an older brother to those that knew him especially if you played on a sports team with him. He was always the one to show you the way or help you out when you needed help. He was a great role model. He was one of the kindest, most thoughtful persons I have ever known and of course those traits served him well into adulthood. I had the pleasure of serving 6 years with Kevin on the School Committee. He was our rock. He was passionate about WPS and worked to ensure that the schools provided the best opportunity for the city’s children. He was often the point person for the school committee when it had to tackle tough issues because he was able to bring people together to build consensus to reach an endpoint. He was a quality person that put others before himself. He leaves a legacy of service and dedication to his family, his friends and his city. He will be missed tremendously by all of us who knew him. A great son of Westfield, one of our city’s finest citizens, we remember all the good that Kevin brought to us during his life and we mourn with the Sullivan family.”
Ramon Diaz, Jr.
“My heart and sincerest condolences go out to the Sullivan family. Kevin was a great colleague and friend. When difficult issues arose Kevin always found a way to frame a solution in a positive manner. As the veteran member of the school committee when I first came on board, he took the time to teach me the ropes. Kevin’s work on the committee went beyond the votes cast at the meetings. He worked with numerous people in various city departments to prevent issues from escalating. More importantly, he was a good friend. Kevin always took the time to listen and respond in a humorous manner. He always made me laugh and understand that he cared. He made me feel that my opinion mattered even when we disagreed. Westfield is a better place because of him and I will miss him and his humor.”
Diane Mayhew
“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Kevin’s family, as they try to cope and understand the loss of this great man. I was shocked and saddened by the news of Kevin’s tragic unexpected passing. I have known Kevin since we were in our 20’s, and have found him to have the same level of integrity throughout his life. I started working with Kevin 7 years ago when I decided to run for the School Committee. Kevin always knew he was a pivotal reason for me to run in the first place. I witnessed great things happening in our schools, and I wanted to be a part of it. To me, Kevin was the leader on our committee. He was the one I went to for advice or clarification on issues we were tackling within our school system. He kept our committee balanced, and the void I feel will never be able to be replaced. It is an immeasurable loss. The impact Kevin had on our schools, his colleagues, and his community was profound, and I will miss him greatly every day.”
Tim O’Connor.
“I feel fortunate to have known Kevin Sullivan since elementary school and it has been a real honor to have developed a great friendship with him over many years. He had a boundless compassion for the Westfield Public School system and was one of its greatest champions. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve with Kevin on the Westfield School Committee on a few different terms over the last several years. His law background, his finance background and his passion for student achievement made him a great fit for the School Committee. His presence elevated everyone around him and he rose to be the voice of reason for the entire School Committee. He was an advocate for the students, teachers and administration and treated everyone fairly and with great care. As good as he was as a School Committee member, he was better as a friend. I will miss him dearly.”
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and Kevin Sullivan at a School Committee meeting in June.
Cindy Sullivan
“I can say without question Kevin’s absence has already been felt. I’m not sure how we move forward without his guidance, his caring spirit, and his knowledge of all things Westfield. Personally, Kevin was the “calm” in many of my “storms”. He had a way of explaining things that everyone could understand. He didn’t expect you to agree with him. He always made sure everyone spoke if they wanted to and often times in my case more than once. He loved his family and friends first and the schools came in a close second. His advocacy and hard work will become evident as the days, weeks, and months go on.
“As a committee we will fumble without him. I can only hope that what he has taught us all will shine through and guide us through the easy and most importantly the difficult decisions we make. He will never be replaced and his kindness, his leadership, his laugh, and his commitment to our students will be missed forever.”
Heather Sullivan
“I would describe him as a true gentleman. He always had an attitude we could all learn from. When we had difference of opinions, everyone was still treated respectfully. He never said an unkind word. He was just a nice guy. He was that balance. We were lucky to have him.
“He was a gentleman. That’s the truest word of him.”
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski
“As a member of the school committee, Kevin always put students first. He was a valuable resource for all school matters. I will miss him as a colleague and a friend.”
Calling hours will be held Sunday, September 23, 2018 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Firtion Adams Funeral Home, Broad Street, Westfield, MA. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, September 24, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield, MA. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
