NARRAGANSETT — Donald Joseph Sullivan, age 94, of Narragansett, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in South Kingstown.
Donald, the son of Charles P. and Marie Josephine (Flynn) Sullivan, was born and raised in Elmira, N.Y., where he met and married his beloved Mary Grace Kelly. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College, and a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. During a long career with Union Carbide Corporation, Donald and Mary Grace moved throughout the country as their family grew. Having finally settled in Connecticut, Donald spent several years traveling domestically and internationally for his work.
After retiring from the corporate world, Donald and Mary Grace relocated to Misquamicut, when he became the Director of Facilities for the Diocese of Providence. Donald spent many happy years working with diocesan colleagues, who became and remained good friends. He was especially fond of his work with the Rejoice in Hope Youth Center in Cranston and enjoyed volunteering with their annual Haunted Labyrinth.
Not one to sit still, following retirement from the Diocese of Providence, Donald continued to volunteer with the Haunted Labyrinth, as well as Mystic Seaport, Westerly Hospital, and the R.I. Blood Center. Throughout his life, Donald also enjoyed gardening and the hunt for antique treasures, many of which he refinished. But, more than anything, Donald enjoyed time spent with family.
Donald was pre-deceased by his dear wife, Mary Grace, and son Patrick. He is survived by his daughters, Molly (Al) of Massachusetts; Katherine of Rhode Island; sons, Timothy (Judy) of Arizona, Daniel (Claire) of North Carolina, and Brendan (Karen) of Massachusetts; a cherished goddaughter, Margaret Miele, several grandchildren and two wonderful great-granddaughters.
Donald’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to Jackie Messier, a very special aide who provided much joy and comfort in Donald’s last years, as well as the team of caring professionals at Brookdale skilled nursing in South Kingstown, and Hope Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, June 3, in St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland St., Narragansett at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maria Fund for the Mother of Hope Camp, P.O. Box W, Chepachet, RI 02814 or https://www.motherofhopecamp.com/tax-deductible-donations.
