Robert L. Sullivan

HAMPDEN - Robert Sullivan passed away on Thursday, August 14. The son of Daniel and Evelyn Sullivan, he was born and raised in Stafford Springs, CT, and lived in Hampden, MA, for 58 years. He enlisted in the Naval Reserves just out of high school and served on a destroyer, the U.S.S. Compton. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a tank commander. He named his tank �Pat� after his high school sweetheart and future wife, Patricia Kealy. After discharge from the Army, Sully graduated from American International College where he played football and basketball. He was a schoolteacher for 19 years in the East Hartford public school system. While he was a teacher he established, owned, and operated the local favorite Mt. View Drive-In in Hampden from 1957 to 1989. He also worked as a probation officer in the Palmer court until his retirement in 1992. He was passionate about sports and politics. He served on the Hampden school board for 12 years and was chairman of the Democratic Town Committee. He also served on the board of trustees of the Monson Savings Bank. Robert played the trumpet and performed in jazz bands in his youth and later sang in barbershop quartets. He continued to practice the horn inside his car, so as not to disturb his neighbors, into his 80s and was always trying to get his lip in shape. He loved the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots and was a lifelong fan of �The Kid��Ted Williams. He hated the Yankees. He was married for 53 years to the love of his life, Patricia, who predeceased him in 2005. He leaves three children: Michael Sullivan and his wife, Linda, of Longmeadow; Daniel Sullivan and his wife, Patricia, of Wilbraham; and Kathryn Willer and her husband, James, of East Longmeadow. He was the devoted grandfather to James Sullivan (wife Jennifer), Matthew Sullivan (wife Megan), Rachel Willer, Emily Willer, Thomas Sullivan and Eve Sullivan. He also leaves behind his best friend, Mickey Weber, and his wife, Dot. The family wishes to thank the staff of Emeritus in East Longmeadow for the outstanding care they provided to Robert. Funeral services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to The Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Wilbraham Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.