Richard D. Sullivan

It is said that " Thursday's child has far to go". When Richard, David Sullivan was born the morning of December 12th 1940; he arrived at home, a red brick house in flushing, Queens, New York. Little did the beautiful baby with platinum curls, know just how far he would go.

Richard was known as Richie or Sully to his family and friends. New York was always his home. Even after he relocated to Florida in December of 1994, he considered himself a misplaced New Yorker. Never a Floridian.

His time in New York was all about the betterment of his community. Be it 34 years as a Town of Huntington employee, his time spreading joy as part of a barber shop quartet, or his biggest passion being a founding member and twice Commander for the Huntington Seabees Veteran's Association. A passion he gained after serving in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee. He proudly advocated for Agent Orange awareness. Whether it be for union rights, veterans, rights, family or friends, he always fought for what he believed in.

Agent Orange killed him in 'Nam; but he hadn't died yet, so he lived his life fully till his last peaceful breath.

He was a devoted husband to his wife Ellen for 47 years. A loving, supportive father to daughters, Leah and Sarah and father-in-law to Sarah's husband Jon.

He was greeted as he was called home; by his parents Nellie and Timothy, sister and brother-in-law Faith and Bill Metralexis, his nephew Bill Metralexis " the Golden Greek", his sister Carol Sullivan, stepfather-in-law and Korean War Veteran Jules Gazel, his great nephews Philip Beck and David Hecht, his brother-in-law Claude Hugel, his son Dietrich Sullivan, and so many beloved furry family members.

To those that survive him : his brother David, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-grand nieces and nephews, his cousins and friends. He doesn't want you to cry for him. He wants you to remember him with a laugh and a smile. Maybe even over a drink or two.

Richard was a Seabee till the end. When it needed building it was built. When a cause needed a fight, it got one. He lived his life so fully that his family will always fight for soldiers, their families and their rights. That is the sword that we picked up for him when he finished his journey on Thursday, June 27th, 2024 due to complications of the Agent Orange that finally came to collect.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Vietnam Veterans Association or a Veterans Charity of your choice.

A visitation for Richard will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652. A Graveside Service will occur Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513.