Obituary of Walter Sullivan

Walter Francis Sullivan, a retired Insurance Appraiser, passed away at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading on Wednesday morning, December 3, 2008. He was 76 years old. Walter was born in Somerville, the son of the late John and Catherine Sullivan. He grew up in Arlington and was a graduate of Arlington High School in 1951. After graduation, he immediately joined the Army serving for 9 years during the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was discharged in May of 1960. He worked for 45 years as an Insurance Appraiser. At the age of 27, Walter suffered a life changing accident that left him in a wheelchair. Some might have let this disability slow them down, but not Walter. He continued his career as an Insurance Adjuster, his family adapted their home and lifestyle to accommodate his needs, and Walter thrived. He became a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, he was a charter member of the VFW in Burlington, serving as their Second Commander. He was a founding member of the Burlington Disability Access Commission. He played wheelchair basketball all over the east coast for the New England Clippers. He enjoyed sports and playing cards with his friends and family. His persevarance was admired by all who knew him. Walter was the beloved husband of Mary “Maureen” (Crowley) Sullivan. He was the loving father of Daniel Sullivan & his wife Brenda of Arlington, Stephan Sullivan & his fiancee Barbara Hamilton of Tewksbury, and the late Lawrence Sullivan of Lowell. He was the father-in-law of Susan Sullivan of Lowell. He was the brother of Daniel Sullivan of Chelmsford, and the late Arthur Sullivan of Arlington. He was also survived by 12 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 5 nieces. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Walter’s name may be made to the VNA of Middlesex East & Visiting Nurse Hospice, 607 North Ave., Suite 17, Wakefield, MA 01880. It is so hard to put down on paper what my grandfather has meant to me in my life. No matter how hard I may try I could never do justice or put into words what he has accomplished in his life. He was born in Somerville in 1932, and was raised in Arlington, MA where he graduated high school in 1951. From there he went into the service and served during the Korean War. My grandfather and grandmother had three great sons, who I’m proud to call one of them my dad. At the age of 27 my grandfather was hurt in an automobile accident which left him paralyzed from the waist down. A lot of people might have given up on their life, but not papa. He took the situation as a challenge and defeated it. My grandparents had been married for less than 5 years and had three small children to care for when papa began this new challenging way of life. Instead of allowing his disabilities to take over him, he took over his disabilities. He always found a way to participate in any sports that my dad and uncles were involved in and he even played wheel chair basketball for the New England Clippers, traveling the whole East Coast. Papa never had a hair out of place and always kept a clean shave, making sure that he was always stocked up on his disposable Bic razors! He and my nana made it a point to go on vacations, whether it was going to New Hampshire with their friends or driving down to Florida. He did whatever it took to lead a normal life. Papa was the epitome of someone who didn’t give up. My parents and sisters and I shared a home with my grandparents until I was thirteen years old. At times it was hectic, but I still consider those years living with my nana and papa such a unique experience. I would be at home watching TV when I heard papa come home from work. I would run out the door where he would greet me with a huge hug and a kiss. He would call me hammerhead, hand me his briefcase to carry while I helped him to walk into the house. The dinner table was a place where we shared great moments together. Papa sometimes shared stories of the past or we would share stories from our day at school. Other great memories I have were the summer nights at Castle Island watching the fishermen or the planes fly over us. My sisters and I would push him in his wheelchair and I was always trying to make him do wheelies! My baseball games were always a big event to him and he made sure he got to all of them, even if it meant him sitting in the outfield because he couldn’t get to the stands. I’ll never forget the times I would sneak into his apartment and see him strolling around in his chair in his underwear and telling him, “Yo Wally, put some clothes on!” the grin I would get was priceless, followed by his famous line, “get outer here will ya!” and then his big laugh. I had the great opportunity to share his love of music, especially songs by Frank Sinatra. I could always make him smile to my version of “Summer Wind” and in return he made me smile while doing 360’s in his wheel chair while my wife and I danced our last dance at our wedding to “Come Fly with Me.” Papa has taught me many lessons in life. My papa, along with my nana, always set a solid foundation for what family means. They always showed by example how important marriage was and to stand by each other no matter what. We’ll always remember Papa finishing Nana’s sentences followed by a glare of anger from Nana saying, “would you please!” As much as the two of them may have gotten under each others skin, I never saw two people love each other so much and continue to grow in their marriage for over fifty years. I can only hope to follow their lead in staying so true to their vows. Being a good father was also something that was so important to my papa. I am a father of two sons myself now, and I know that I will be taking a piece of what papa has left behind when it comes to parenting. He has been a reflection in my father to me, and I hope I can be a reflection of both my papa and father to my children. I remember his last awake moments with me; I sat on the end of his hospital bed and shared with him a conversation that I will never forget. Papa never got too dramatic, he put it simply, saying, “this is just how life is.” He told me how blessed he has been to have had grandchildren that he loved so much and to know his great grandchildren, who lit his face up with a smile every time they entered the room. After a few tears, he told me what to expect in the economy and to hang in there and to take care of my family. I had never had a conversation with my Papa like that one, where it seemed like we were saying goodbye, but I’m glad that we were able to talk and that he was able to say what he wanted to say to me in his final days. I know that in the end, this was all the way he wanted it and was comforted in what he was leaving behind. I’m going to miss papa more than anything and it won’t be the same without him here for anyone who knew him. But I am confident that he is in Heaven right now walking around, without a wheelchair or a cane and in absolutely no pain. With that said, I couldn’t be happier for my Papa, if anyone deserves it we all know it’s him. Love ya Wally J