WESTBOROUGH- Paul Daniel Sullivan, 89, died peacefully in Westborough in the company of his loving wife, Gloria (Asselta) Cairns-Sullivan and family members. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Cairns-Sullivan and her daughter, Kristina Cairns; two daughters, Marianne Webster of Tustin, CA and Laura Bussey and her husband, Mark of Petaluma, CA; five grandchildren: Michael and William Webster, Jr., and Richard, Katelyn, and John Henry Bussey; a sister, Elizabeth Fagan of Hingham and several nieces and nephews. His death was preceded by that of his son, Paul Sullivan, Jr.; a sister, Ruth Kennedy of Natick, a brother, John Sullivan, Jr., of North Falmouth and son-in-law, William Webster of Tustin, CA.
Mr. Sullivan was born in Belmont, the son of John Henry and Laura (Boyle) Sullivan and was raised in Newton. Paul was passionate about helping those afflicted with addiction to alcohol and drugs and founded two recovery homes for adult males; Answer House of South Boston and Sullivan House of Jamaica Plain. Those seeking help in their struggles knew and respected Sullivan for his compassionate yet no nonsense approach. To ensure the application of best practices at both houses, Mr. Sullivan applied knowledge acquired from studies at BU School of Social Work, Yale University and business practices from George Washington University. In 1995, both programs merged with Middlesex Human Services where he acted in a consultative capacity to the houses for many years. Both programs continue to help people in their struggles today.
Paul served his country in two tours of duty with the United States Marine Corps; he participated in the Marianas Campaign of WWII, and in 1950, the landing at Inchon in the Korean War. Recognized for his leadership abilities, he was sent to the Wharton School of Management while still on active duty.
Mr. Sullivan founded the Boylston Trading Company specializing in World Paper Money for Collectors. He was a life-long member of International Bank Notes Society and his company became the United States representative for Intercol of London. The company was in full operation until 2005.
A long jazz devotee and aficionado, Paul was a member of the Boston Jazz Society. His many trips to Europe for the Boylston Trading Company found him enjoying jazz in London, Copenhagen and Stockholm. His long support of jazz notables such as Eddy Lockjaw Davis, Buddy Tate and close relationships with big band greats such as Count Basie and Harry James is well documented. Of newer jazz musicians, Mr. Sullivan was dedicated to the late James Williams.
He loved to socialize, with a flair for style and class, was seldom seen without a suit and tie. An avid golfer and lover of the New England Patriots, Paul will be deeply missed by many.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Paul’s family on Thursday, March 19, 2015 from 3:00-6:00PM in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, March 20, 2015 at 11:00 AM in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. To honor his memory donations may be made to, Middlesex Human Service Agency, 50 Prospect Street, Waltham, MA 02453.