July 31, 1929 ~ Nov. 25, 2024
Marlborough – Donald R. Sullivan, age 95, passed away on November 25, 2024. Donald was the son of Michael and Marjorie (Slattery) Sullivan. He grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and Hudson, Massachusetts. Summers were often spent visiting family in South Barre and Wheelwright where Donald made many happy memories.
Forfeiting his senior year in high school, Donald visited the Hudson Town Hall on his seventeenth birthday to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Because he was underage, he was required to get a parental signature on his paperwork. He finally convinced his mother to sign and he officially enlisted on September 18, 1946.
He was stationed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and although he did not see combat, as World War II was winding down, he traveled throughout the United States and as far away as Panama and Cuba. He earned the rank of Corporal while qualifying as a Sharpshooter and Rifle Expert. Upon his return home in 1948 with an honorable discharge, Mr. Sullivan joined the Army National Guard where he was assigned as a firearms instructor. He continued to be a proud and patriotic American throughout his life.
In addition to serving in the National Guard once home, Donald attended night school to earn his diploma from Hudson High School despite having earned a GED while in the service. It was important to him to have an official diploma from his hometown high school. He later took classes at Northeastern University and the College of the Holy Cross. Mr. Sullivan was a history buff but was especially knowledgeable about the Civil War- its causes, its generals, its battles and its outcomes which he could discuss for hours.
As a young man, Donald tried a variety of occupations including several years as a fireman for the Boston and Maine Railroad working on locomotives with both steam and diesel engines. He served as a law enforcement officer for the Washington, D.C. Metro police department. He served in that capacity until he was recruited by the United States Secret Service’s Uniform Division. Mr. Sullivan worked as a White House policeman serving four presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson. While at the White House, Donald observed and participated in many interesting and historical events- some dangerous and some glamorous; yet he never broke the pledge of confidentiality he agreed to as a new recruit.
Upon his retirement from the U.S.S.S.U.D, Donald and his family relocated back to Massachusetts settling in Marlborough where he lived until his passing. Mr. Sullivan became a small business owner of several businesses in the Hudson/Marlborough area including the busy Bacon’s Variety Store. In his later years, he worked as a guard for the Fort Devens-Sudbury Training Annex. Donald was a founding member of the Hudson Amvets, a member of the Hudson Elks for over 50 years, and a member of the Italian American Veteran’s Post 45.
Despite his varied accomplishments and experiences, none of them eclipsed his private life. Donald was married for 66 years to Carolee (Sousa) who died in 2019. They had three children: Beth Chase of Douglas, Brian and his wife Karen of Lawrenceville, GA, and Susan Sullivan of Marlborough. He was grandfather to Lauren Yurkus, Jamie Galvin, Kimberly Robinson, Ryan Sullivan and Kelly Sullivan. He was also “Poppa” to seven great grandchildren: Kyla, Brooke, Marlowe, Kelsey, Quinn, James, and Joanna. Besides his parents and wife, Donald was predeceased by his older brother Walter Sullivan, an infant sister Margaret Sullivan and his son-in-law James Chase.
As a member of the “Greatest Generation,” Donald was the embodiment of the American dream. From modest beginnings but raised with solid values and a strong work ethic, he went on to achieve many personal, professional, and financial successes.
Arrangements are being made by Slattery Funeral Home. Donald will be buried with his wife Carolee at Forestvale Cemetery in Hudson. Services will be private. In Don’s memory, share a smile and a quick conversation with a stranger- as he was known to do.
Memorial donations may be made in Donald’s name to Veterans Inc., 68 Grove St., Worcester, MA, 01605.
