Paul E Sullivan

Monson-Paul E. Sullivan, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2026, after an eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Paul was born in Palmer, Massachusetts, to the late Frederick and Marjorie (Dearden) Sullivan, and spent most of his life in Monson, a community he loved and remained deeply connected to throughout his life. A proud graduate of Monson High School, Class of 1970, Paul was among the last young men drafted during the Vietnam War era. He served honorably in the United States Army for two years.

After his service, Paul worked for several years at the Monson Developmental Center before continuing his education. Through determination and hard work, he graduated with honors from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1983 with a degree in Engineering.

Paul began his professional career at Sikorsky Aircraft in southern Connecticut before returning home to Massachusetts, where he joined Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in Springfield. Over a 24-year career, he rose through the ranks, working in both systems and management within Retirement Services. He retired in 2012, leaving behind many valued friendships and professional accomplishments.

Paul had a lifelong passion for sports and the outdoors. Whether golfing, running, skiing, hiking, or cycling, he found joy in staying active. In his twenties, Paul earned a brown belt in karate. He was especially proud of his years coaching children’s basketball and baseball in Monson, sharing not only skills but encouragement and enthusiasm. A devoted UMass basketball fan, Paul cherished his years as a season ticket holder, often sharing the experience with close friends—especially his longtime friend, Rich Defoe.

In later years, cycling became Paul’s greatest passion. Inspired by personal loss—his brother’s passing and his stepson’s childhood cancer—he participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge for several years, raising money for the Jimmy Fund. This effort reflected Paul’s quiet strength, compassion, and desire to give back.

Paul was also an active member of the Monson Rotary Club, where he served for many years, including four years as president. He especially loved the community events, with a particular fondness for the annual Lucky Duck Race. Many will remember him proudly driving his truck—decorated with bright yellow ducks—in the Monson Fourth of July parade to promote the event.

Above all, Paul was a devoted family man and loyal friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Dawn (Russell) Sullivan; his stepdaughter, Rebecca Fetty and her husband Matthew, and granddaughter Clara of Fort Worth, Texas; his stepdaughter, Katharine Blais, and granddaughter Abigail Churma of Ledyard, Connecticut; and his stepson, Stephen Blais and his wife Dyan, along with grandchildren Quinn and Bryson of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Paul also leaves his sister, Jane (Sullivan) Arthur and her husband Damien of Monson, whose unwavering care and support meant so much to him throughout his illness. He is fondly remembered by his niece and nephew, Johanna (Arthur) Alvarado and Jesse Arthur along with their families, who were very special to him. He also leaves his extended Colorado family, including his brother-in-law Mark Gallagher, nephew Nate Cowing, and niece Emily Roussel and their families.

Paul is survived as well by his oldest and dearest friend of 69 years, Jack Talmadge and his wife Kim of Lehigh Acres, Florida, along with many cousins and close friends whose lives he touched.

He was predeceased by his brother, Frederick (Ricky) Sullivan in 1964, and his sister-in-law, Lissa (Russell) Gallagher earlier this year.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Lombard Funeral Home, located at 3 Bridge Street, Monson, MA 01057. The funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 28 at 10:30AM. Burial will follow at Bethany Cemetery in Monson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011; the Veterans Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040; or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Jimmy Fund, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of 1 North and 2 North at the Veterans Home in Holyoke for the exceptional loving care, kindness, and compassion they provided to Paul.