Richard C. Sullivan's Obituary
Richard C. Sullivan, “The Smiling Irishman” of DeBary and formerly of Braintree, Mass., passed away peacefully at the age of 94 surrounded by his loving family on February 14, 2012. Born November 11, 1917 he was a WWII Army Veteran and a life-long publicist and advertising executive whose clients included Bob Hope, Martha Raye, Gabby Hayes, the regional Leukemia Telethon, Paragon Park Amusement Center, Hull Mass., and various nationally recognized ice shows, air shows, auto races, circuses and rodeos. He was a National Public Relations Director for the AMVETS and Public Relations Director for the Battleship Massachusetts and the Environmental Protection Agency in Boston. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Public Relations Society of Boston and was a 65 year member of the American Legion and a member of his local V.F.W. post.
He will be remembered by all for his warm, Irish smile, contagious laugh, boundless energy, compassion, great strength of will and his endless telling of jokes. Son of the late Richard and Elizabeth Sullivan and beloved husband of 24 years to Gwen (Elias) and Alice (Lowther) who preceded him in death. Devoted father of Patricia Hagerty and her husband Jack of Glen Burnie, MD.; Eileen McMahon and her husband Brian of Quincy, Mass.; and Robert (Bob) Sullivan and his wife Cathy of Knoxville, Tenn. Dear brother of Rita Walker of Holbrook, Mass. and Albert Sullivan of Hyde Park, Mass. And the late Terri Gunther and Edmund Sullivan. Cherished “grandpa” of seven and “great-grandpa” of seven. He is also survived by his step-children, William Elias, Kelly Mike Elias, the late Candice Frederick, five step-grandchildren, three step-great grandchildren plus many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to gather at St. Ann Catholic Church in DeBary on Thursday, February 16, 2012. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church followed by Mass at 11 a.m. and a military service. A celebration of life reception will follow.
Arrangements by Baldauff Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 1233 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, FL 32763 www.baldaufffuneralhome.com
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