WESTFIELD – Stephen Gerard Sullivan, “Sully”, passed away on July 1, 2023, in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 57, after a long battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and the health complications that arose from this disease. He was born on May 27, 1966, in Westfield, MA, to the late James and Janet (Limoges) Sullivan. Steve lived most of his life in Westfield, only moving to Englewood, Florida in 2022, shortly after retiring, seeking sunshine, the beach, warmth, and the opportunity to reside in the same state as his daughter, Stephanie.
An outspoken man with a sentimental side, Stephen took great pride in his Irish heritage and frequently visited Ireland, most recently in 2018, accompanied by his daughter Stephanie. He had an endless knowledge of sports trivia, as well an extensive grasp of various facts and figures gleaned largely from internet research (scrolling!) and watching nonfiction TV programs. Steve enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others, often through banter and lively political “discussions”. Steve also loved animals and could rarely pass a dog without saying hello.
Stephen’s family meant the world to him. He is survived by his daughter Stephanie and her husband, Esteban Rosario, of Winter Garden, Florida. Stephanie was truly the light of his life, and he was so very proud of her. Additionally, he leaves behind his “Irish Twin” brother, Patrick Sullivan, and his wife Cindy, as well as their two children, Shayna (fiancé, Jack Fairlie) and Riley Sullivan, all of Westfield. Stephen is also survived by his sister Karen Sullivan and her partner, Margaret Cahillane, of Agawam.
Stephen attended St. Mary’s Elementary and High School, where he was active in soccer, baseball, and basketball. He graduated from High School in 1984 and went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree at Western New England University in 1988. While in college he continued to be involved in sports – particularly, soccer, in which he placed 10th in career individual records for goals scored in the University’s All-Time Men’s Soccer Records (1966-2022).
Stephen’s professional career was diverse and impactful. He initially worked in the insurance industry, including at O’Brien and Murphy Insurance Agency, a company owned by his father. After several years in this field, Steve opted to make a career change and started a job at the Key Program, Inc. in Springfield working with troubled children. Stephen’s passion for helping young individuals led him to become a Caseworker with the Department of Youth Services, where he mentored and monitored youth involved in the juvenile justice system. He retired from this job in 2021 and welcomed the idea of a life of leisure.
In his free time, Stephen embraced a variety of hobbies, including kayaking, motorcycling, fishing, camping, and engaging in various sports activities. Prior to his illness negatively impacting his health, Stephen was a regular presence at the Sons of Erin, where he formed lasting connections, played in card leagues, coached softball, and proudly marched with the Club’s contingent in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He was also known to “tip a pint or two”, and occasionally enjoyed a cigar with some Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Stephen’s life was profoundly impacted by his diagnosis with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2018. He underwent a double lung transplant in 2019, but shortly after, he experienced kidney failure and required dialysis. He overcame those health complications that come with a compromised immune system and ongoing dialysis, until his body could fight no more. Stephen was extremely grateful for the gift of lungs and felt strongly that folks consider becoming organ donors. He also strove to spread information and knowledge about Pulmonary Fibrosis – a disease that neither he nor his family had heard of prior to his diagnosis.
Sully will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His vibrant personality, love for his family, and dedication to his work have left an indelible mark on the lives he touched. May he rest in peace, forever cherished in our hearts.
In accordance with Stephen’s wishes, there will be no services held at this time. However, a celebration of his life will take place at the Sons of Erin, 22 William St., Westfield, MA on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. We hope that you stop by to share a memory and honor his life. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
