Southborough/Northborough – Patrick Joseph Sullivan, affectionately known as Pat to his friends and family, passed away on February 23, 2024, at the age of 69 in Boston, MA. Born on February 17, 1955, in Buffalo, NY, Pat was a man of great humor, love, and selflessness, whose presence brightened the lives of those around him.
Pat grew up in New Canaan, CT along with his three brothers. He attended St. Aloysius School before graduating from New Canaan High School. His passion for understanding the world led him to study political science at Northeastern University and later at Arizona State University.
After completing his studies, Pat returned to Weymouth, MA, to join his brothers at their family business, Sullivan’s, Inc., in Quincy. It was not just his career that flourished during this time, as he married his beloved wife and companion of 43 years, Leslie A. (Finlay) Sullivan, in 1980. The couple’s love and partnership were a testament to their shared journey through life’s adventures.
Pat’s work ethic and dedication saw him relocate multiple times, embracing each move with enthusiasm. He spent several years in Oregon as a regional sales representative for Code-A-Phone, Inc., and later moved to Scottsdale, AZ, where he worked as a national sales manager for LG Corporation. His career also included a stint in Florida as a national representative for Conner Peripherals, In 1993, Pat settled in Northborough, MA, where he became the vice president of components and peripherals for Digital Equipment Corporation before retiring in 1997 due to heart failure. In 2021 Pat and Leslie relocated to their current residence in Southborough.
Despite facing the debilitating effects of heart failure, Pat’s resilience shone through when he received the chance for a life-saving heart transplant at Tufts Medical Center. “If I ever get out of here, I want to give back and help others…” True to his word, after his recovery, Pat co-founded the Heart Brothers Foundation with his friend and fellow heart transplant recipient, Bob Romer. The foundation became a beacon of hope and support for those individuals affected by heart disease as well as their families, embodying Pat’s promise to give back and help others.
Pat’s interests were as varied and inviting as his personality. He relished in spending time golfing with his numerous friends and son, Riley. His love for his family was further evident in the joy he took in being a grandfather to Kennedy and Charlie, whom he adored. Nantucket and Maine held a special place in Pat’s heart, where he enjoyed fishing and creating lasting memories with his loved ones.
A man of many talents, Pat loved to entertain, cook, and grill for family and friends, ensuring everyone around him was well-fed and happy. His Irish songs, sung with his brothers, were a testament to his spirited nature. Pat was the life of the party—an extrovert who effortlessly drew people in with his humor and warmth. Those who knew Pat would describe him as funny, loving, and selfless—a man who embodied the unconditional love for his family. His ability to bring laughter and kindness into any room will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Pat is survived by his devoted wife, Leslie; his son, Riley, and Riley’s partner, Kylie; his cherished grandchildren, Kennedy and Charlie; his brother Mark Sullivan (brother) and Donna Sullivan (sister-in-law) numerous nieces and nephews; predeceased by Brothers James and Kevin Sullivan, Susi Sullivan (sister-in-law) and Brigid Salamon (Niece). and a community of friends and family whose lives he touched with his generous spirit.
A time to gather and to celebrate Pat’s life will be held later this year. An announcement will be made when a time and place have been set.
Although short in years, Patrick Joseph Sullivan lived a life full of passion, purpose, and love—a life that will continue to inspire and be celebrated by all who knew him.
To honor Pat’s promise to help others with heart failure, please consider a memorial donation to the Heart Brothers Foundation, https://www.heartbrothers.org.
Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough is honored to assist the Sullivan Family at this time.
To share a condolence or kind word of support for his family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
