Obituary for Reginald James Sullivan
Reginald James Sullivan
October 22, 1937 - April 14, 2024
With profound sadness, the family of Reginald James Sullivan announce his peaceful passing at the CNRHC surrounded by the love, devotion, and support of his 3 children.
Reg, as he was known by all who knew him, was born on October 22,1937 in Grand Falls, the eldest of the 4 sons of Jerry and Annie Sullivan. He is pre-deceased by his parents, his beloved wife of 49 years, Dinah (Deir), his brothers Terry, Ab and Jerry, as well as brothers-in-law Robert, Thomas, and Hubert (Deir), niece, Shirley Carey and special nephew, Robert Deir.
Reg was the consummate family man who loved beyond measure his 3 children. Paul (Trish Wells), Barry (Angie Pryor) and Denise (Jeff Dunphy) were his pride and joy. He delighted in speaking of their accomplishments and eagerly shared their comings and goings and that of their children with all he encountered. He also cherished his 5 grandchildren - Sarah, Kody, Evan, Anna, and Ian and great-grandchildren Isabelle and Marvin and took advantage of every opportunity to spend time with them, whether cheering them on at a stadium, ballfield, or dance recital or applauding their academic successes and pursuits. His family defined him and was the source of his greatest happiness.
Reg attended Notre Dame Academy in Grand Falls and upon graduation elected to enroll in an Accounting Program at the local Vocational school. His accounting skills served him well both professionally and in his personal life. Reg worked most of his professional career as an accountant at A.Harvey & Company and took great pride in his work. This carried over into his personal life where he was able to manage a budget better than most.
Sports figured prominently in his life and for several years he wrote the sports column for the Grand Falls Advertiser. An avid fan of softball, hockey, and baseball, he was known to have laced up his skates and sneakers to pursue these activities throughout his youth. He continued to play softball for decades where the pitching mound was his favourite haunt.
Reg was a man of tremendous faith, and he proudly served his church and parish in many capacities. He was former chair of both the Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council, and the Finance Committee and was a past member of the Liturgy Committee and Social Action Committee. Reg was also a 3rd degree member of Notre Dame Council #2053 of the Knights of Columbus and an honourary life member.
Retirement brought the realization of Reg and Dinah's dream of being able to spend winters in Florida with brother Terry and his wife, Bridget. For several years, they enjoyed the snowbird lifestyle of warm, sunny winters together. Though life changed forever when the love of his life, Dinah passed away in 2013, Reg, in his typical positive manner, forged ahead and found new ways to fill his days and organise his time. Daily Mass became a priority once he retired.
Never one to complain, even after a limiting stroke suffered in 2017, Reg remained pleasant and positive and accepted the restrictions of his new condition with grace, determination, and optimism. He enjoyed calls and visits from family and friends and especially looked forward to the many visits from his brothers Ab and Jerry and readily participated in the ensuing banter, arguments and joking that characterized their time together. For years, they engaged in weekly Trivial Pursuit games that trumped any Jeopardy broadcast in intensity, and required an acuity and intellectual prowess that could be rivaled by few.
Reg will be sadly missed by his children, their spouses, and precious grandchildren, as well as his sisters-in-law - Bridget, Rita, Susan (Sullivan), Mary and Winnie (Deir), and numerous adoring nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be arranged by Central Funeral Homes. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Flowers will be gratefully accepted, or donations can be made to a charity of one's choice.
October 22, 1937 - April 14, 2024
With profound sadness, the family of Reginald James Sullivan announce his peaceful passing at the CNRHC surrounded by the love, devotion, and support of his 3 children.
Reg, as he was known by all who knew him, was born on October 22,1937 in Grand Falls, the eldest of the 4 sons of Jerry and Annie Sullivan. He is pre-deceased by his parents, his beloved wife of 49 years, Dinah (Deir), his brothers Terry, Ab and Jerry, as well as brothers-in-law Robert, Thomas, and Hubert (Deir), niece, Shirley Carey and special nephew, Robert Deir.
Reg was the consummate family man who loved beyond measure his 3 children. Paul (Trish Wells), Barry (Angie Pryor) and Denise (Jeff Dunphy) were his pride and joy. He delighted in speaking of their accomplishments and eagerly shared their comings and goings and that of their children with all he encountered. He also cherished his 5 grandchildren - Sarah, Kody, Evan, Anna, and Ian and great-grandchildren Isabelle and Marvin and took advantage of every opportunity to spend time with them, whether cheering them on at a stadium, ballfield, or dance recital or applauding their academic successes and pursuits. His family defined him and was the source of his greatest happiness.
Reg attended Notre Dame Academy in Grand Falls and upon graduation elected to enroll in an Accounting Program at the local Vocational school. His accounting skills served him well both professionally and in his personal life. Reg worked most of his professional career as an accountant at A.Harvey & Company and took great pride in his work. This carried over into his personal life where he was able to manage a budget better than most.
Sports figured prominently in his life and for several years he wrote the sports column for the Grand Falls Advertiser. An avid fan of softball, hockey, and baseball, he was known to have laced up his skates and sneakers to pursue these activities throughout his youth. He continued to play softball for decades where the pitching mound was his favourite haunt.
Reg was a man of tremendous faith, and he proudly served his church and parish in many capacities. He was former chair of both the Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council, and the Finance Committee and was a past member of the Liturgy Committee and Social Action Committee. Reg was also a 3rd degree member of Notre Dame Council #2053 of the Knights of Columbus and an honourary life member.
Retirement brought the realization of Reg and Dinah's dream of being able to spend winters in Florida with brother Terry and his wife, Bridget. For several years, they enjoyed the snowbird lifestyle of warm, sunny winters together. Though life changed forever when the love of his life, Dinah passed away in 2013, Reg, in his typical positive manner, forged ahead and found new ways to fill his days and organise his time. Daily Mass became a priority once he retired.
Never one to complain, even after a limiting stroke suffered in 2017, Reg remained pleasant and positive and accepted the restrictions of his new condition with grace, determination, and optimism. He enjoyed calls and visits from family and friends and especially looked forward to the many visits from his brothers Ab and Jerry and readily participated in the ensuing banter, arguments and joking that characterized their time together. For years, they engaged in weekly Trivial Pursuit games that trumped any Jeopardy broadcast in intensity, and required an acuity and intellectual prowess that could be rivaled by few.
Reg will be sadly missed by his children, their spouses, and precious grandchildren, as well as his sisters-in-law - Bridget, Rita, Susan (Sullivan), Mary and Winnie (Deir), and numerous adoring nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be arranged by Central Funeral Homes. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Flowers will be gratefully accepted, or donations can be made to a charity of one's choice.