Donald V. Sullivan, 75, of North Providence, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2022 at the Hope Health Hulitar Hospice surrounded by his loving family. Don courageously battled Pulmonary Fibrosis for 6 years.
Don leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife, and best friend, Karen (Whelan) Sullivan. They were in love for 31 years, and married for 25. Born in Providence, RI, he was a son of the late Joseph H. and Alice E. (Swenson) Sullivan. Don leaves son David, and daughter Jenny, both of North Providence; and sons Donald V. Jr (Rachel) and Steven (Dean) both of Burrillville. He was also the brother of Dr. Daniel C. Sullivan and the late Bernard McAlice, Joseph H. Sullivan III, and Denise Metz.
Don was a man of integrity who was devoted to his family, and to his country. His priority was taking care of the people he loved, whom he always put first in his life.
Don was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Infantry in the US Army upon graduation from URI on June 8, 1968. Don proudly served in Vietnam as Infantry Platoon Leader, and Company Commander, from which he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Bronze Star with V Device. He then served in the Army Reserves for 26 years upon returning home from Vietnam. Don retired as Colonel from the Army Reserves.
Don was one of the founding members of "Operation Vet 2 Vet Program” situated at the Providence VA Medical Center. It was a peer-to-peer support group for fellow veterans. Don, along with Ron Whitcomb, and Rick Braley, facilitated these groups for many years.
Don was always involved with all his children’s activities over the years, including, but not limited to, coaching and supporting youth sports for his three sons in soccer, little league baseball, Babe Ruth baseball, CYO basketball, AAU basketball, high school basketball in both Warwick and North Providence. Don was also a Cub Scout, and a Boy Scout leader; and Don himself was awarded the Boy Scouts Eagle Scout Award. Don also enjoyed watching daughter Jenny in all her dance and theatre performances, and attending theatre shows with her.
Don was dearly loved by his sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews, all of whom he considered to be in his closest circle of love. They cared and supported him until the end.
Don was a lover of cats, and had an innate understanding of them, thus earning him the title “the cat whisperer”. He also was a lover of long distance driving road trips, and drove to Alaska 3 times.
Don was an administrator for the State of RI, Medicaid Division for many years before retiring.
His funeral be held on Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Pius V Church, 240 Eaton Street, Providence. Graveside burial with military honors will be in the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visitation will be held Monday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 or to a Veterans charity of your choice.
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HopeHealth Hospice Center1085 North Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904
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