Mark Jeremiah Sullivan

Mark "Jerry" "Sully" Sullivan, 55, passed away Friday. A life long-Rhode Islander, he was the husband of Stephanie Sullivan. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Francis X. And M. Catherine (Keenan) Sullivan. Following his grandfathers (Sullivan Tailors) footsteps, he started working in the "rag" industry after graduating from Cranston East. Sully worked at Donnelys in Wakefield until 1992, when he started working at Foxwoods Entertainment. He remained at Foxwoods for 22 years, being promoted to Lead Lighting Technician. During that time he enjoyed working with Frank Sinatra, Tito Puente and Tim Conway. Quick-witted, he would always have a joke or a shaggy dog story to the amusement of all. He believed in the joy of silliness, a quality he passed down to his daughters. Sully had been local President ofthe International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Union (IATSE 538) Sully enjoyed golfing, juggling, and singing Irish folk songs to his children. A dedicated father, he also put up with the things he did not enjoy--namely dogs, camping, and kayaking. He taught both his daughters the meaning of kindness and empathy through example. As a child, he learned to sail, and throughout his life he would share his knowledge of knot-tying skills to anyone interested. He was a member and dedicated listener of National Public Radio, and enjoyed discussing newsworthy events. He was a proud member and volunteer for the Twelfth Night Tech Guild and an avid Red Sox fan. Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Emma Catherine and Tess Bewlay Sulllivan, both of Hopkinton; three sisters, Michaela Sullivan of Cambridge, MA, Moira Epps of Catonsville, MD, and Ellen Goldis of Wakefield. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Sullivan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Tuesday at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High Street, Wakefield. Burial will be private. Visiting hours are at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, Monday 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to The Welcome House, 8 North Road, Peace Dale, RI 02879.