John "Jack" Sullivan Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

John C. "Jack" Sullivan, 91, originally of Hudson and, more recently, Claverack, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Hudson’s Columbia Memorial Hospital. The son of James and Beatrice (nee Garrison) Sullivan, Jack was born in Hudson, NY, on March 24, 1925 and graduated from Hudson High School as a member of the Class of 1943. Immediately upon graduation, he enlisted in the wartime U.S. Navy, where he was assigned to the 7th Beach Battalion, Platoon B4. Jack became, in his own words, one of the members of his unit who was “responsible to get the men and supplies safely across the beach so they could head inland to fight the enemy.” At age 19, Jack’s first major engagement was in Normandy, France, where his unit arrived at Omaha Beach at Hour 25. Jack served on that famous beach for 22 days – living in a foxhole on the beach – until June 29th, 1944, when the 7th Beach Battalion secured it. From Normandy, Jack was reassigned to the Pacific Theater, where he and his unit furnished the same service, first during the bloody and costly Battle of Iwo Jima and, finally, at the crushingly long Battle of Okinawa, where America suffered over 70,000 casualties. Upon returning to the Hudson Valley, he was employed by IBM in Poughkeepsie and Kingston for forty-one years, living, during that period, on Parker Ave. in Hyde Park with his parents and younger sister, Patty. Jack retired from IBM on July 1st, 1987. Jack belonged to the Quarter Century Club at IBM, and was a thirty-year member of the Hyde Park Lions Club. He also was an active member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion, as well as the Rogers Point Boat Club in Hyde Park. Jack loved music, especially the music of the Big Band era, with Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey being among his favorites. He greatly enjoyed his work as a trombonist with the IBM Concert and Dance Band, though, in his typical self-deprecating way, he was quick remind people that his Dad, also a musician, always told him: “The only thing you lack is talent.” Jack and his good friend and fellow musician, Frank Spies, enjoyed many hours talking about music and listening to “the greats.” Another of Jack’s most endearing – and enduring – qualities was his sense of humor. He kept it until the end. Wherever he was, and no matter who he was with, he had an irrepressible wit. His well-timed delivery of his inventory of humorous Vaudeville-style one-liners will not be forgotten by anyone who had the pleasure of hearing them. Jack was also known for his extraordinary generosity to his friends and loved ones, always offering help to those in need. For decades, he served as a volunteer for Hospice and took great pride in the simple ministry of companionship and conversation he furnished during the final days of his patients’ lives. He was a prayerful man, reminding his family that “tomorrow is not given,” and was a lifelong parishoner of St. Mary’s/Holy Trinity Parish in Hudson. Jack was pre-deceased by his parents, James and Beatrice Sullivan, and two sisters, Margaret Sullivan McNamara and Patricia Sullivan Barnard. He is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins, including Patricia Simonoff and James (Barbara) and Brian McNamara of Erie, PA, Daniel McNamara of Los Angeles, CA, Scott Barnard (Stephanie) of Atlanta, GA, Laurie Adkins (John) of Guin, AL, and Marlene Carwile (Ray) of Port Richey, FL. Jack is also survived by his very dear friend and companion, Lucy Grater, now of Billerica, MA, and his fellow musician and good and faithful friend, Frank Spies. Over the last decade or so, Jack and Lucy spent countless hours in great companionship and conversation, often while, in Jack’s words, “breaking bread” at one of several local restaurants. Jack will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. He was truly “one of a kind,” an authentic representative of the Greatest Generation. Jack’s family extends their special thanks to the following people, all of whom helped ease his passage to his heavenly reward: The staff and administration of Pine Haven Nursing Home, the staff of Columbia Memorial Hospital, especially the nursing staff and Robin on the 2nd floor medical unit, Tina Seecharan, M.D. of Columbia Memorial, Pine Haven’s Liz Groat, who advocated so effectively for Jack in his final days, and last, but certainly not least, the paid and volunteer staff of Community Hospice, who attended to Jack as his time drew near. Special thanks too to Walt and Joan Jutkofsky, who showed singular kindness and compassion toward Jack as he declined. In order to allow adequate time for Jack’s loved ones from around the country to plan and travel to Hudson to pay their final respects, a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Saturday July 1, 2017 at 10:00am at Holy Trinity Parish/ St. Mary's Church 429 E. Allen Street Hudson, NY 12534. Burial with Naval Honors will follow at Cedar Park Cemetery. In keeping with Jack’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, please send any memorial gifts to Community Hospice 47 Liberty St. Catskill, NY 12414 To leave online condolences please visit: www.saccomcdonaldvalenti.com.

John "Jack" Sullivan

March 24, 1925 - December 1, 2016