Paul L. Sullivan
May 19, 1943 ~ August 11, 2020
Gainesville, FL - Paul L. Sullivan, formerly of Portland, passed away on August 11, 2020 in Gainesville, Florida at the age of 77.
He was born in Portland on May 19, 1943, the son of the late John F. Sullivan and Mary (Krawczyk) Sullivan. Paul graduated from Cheverus High School in 1961. He is the only freshman ever to win the Telegram Batting Title in 1959. The 1961 baseball team was inducted into the Cheverus Hall of Fame in 2013. Before high school he was playing for St. Joseph's Catholic School, going undefeated in baseball, basketball and football in 1957, winning multiple championships throughout the years.
Paul was inducted to the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987, after playing third base
at Boston College his freshman year. Following Boston College, Paul was signed to the
Minnesota Twins minor league in 1962. In his adult life, Paul excelled as a computer programmer for various companies including C.M Rice and Pistenbully before retiring from Kassaborra. In his free time, Paul enjoyed a variety of music from The Platters to the Four Seasons, Eric Clapton and Little Big Town. He attended musicals and could be found watching football on Sunday afternoons. Paul and his wife of 41 years, Kathy, moved from Maine to Nevada and finally to Tennessee. They explored many state parks throughout the country, always with their dogs in tow.
In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother, Hugh Sullivan. Paul is survived by his brother, Michael Sullivan and his wife Liudmila Petrova; daughters, Moira Sullivan, Meaghan and husband Randall James, and Jessica and husband Mark Schepis; grandchildren, Justin, Matthew, Elizabeth, Mary, Alex and Danni; great-grandchildren Darius and Aurora, following with several nieces and nephews.
Paul will be remembered for his incredible athletic ability, wonderful sense of humor, and
witty comments.
Visiting Hours celebrating Sully's life will be held from 4-7PM on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated later with interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Greater Portland Animal Refuge League P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Paul was one of the best athletes in Maine in our time which was in grammar school, high school and college. The only time I ever kept up with him was once at Boston College when we both went 4 for 4 against Harvard, and it was the only time I ever hit a home run. Paul hit many. Regardless, he was one of the nicest human beings I ever met. I never saw him angry and he had an extremely bright mind and was always kind and thoughtful. Even when we were young, I somehow thought his attitude in life was as great if not greater than his athletic abilities. I am trying to make it up there, but I live on an island and am not sure I will be able to be there on Wednesday. However, I thank divinity for learning from Paul. Bobby Murphy – Cheverus 1961, Boston College 1965
– Robert J C Murphy
Last saw Paul last summer when his and my Cheverus 61 and Andrews 60 Teams were placed in the Maine Baseball HOF. He was always a delight to be around. The HOF site has his HOF write up as well as the 2 teams. He wasn`t even mad at me when I failed to pee on home plate on prom night after he told me it was part of the baseball team`s tradition.
– pat feury
Did you play for the Andrew Post with Paul – my memory is a little fuzzy
– Michael Sullivan
Paul in his American Legion Andrews Post uniform and in his favorite cowboy outfit with brothers Michael and older brother Hugh
– Michael Sullivan
Dear Sullivan family, Please accept my sincere condolences. I was unable to get to his wake. I have many fond memories of Paul, especially that magical year at St. Joes winning three championships undefeated. I will mention here that our football team was also unscored upon. I played with Paul on all those teams and he was simply the best, a truly gifted athlete and it was an honor to be on a team with him. That school year, 1956-57, was filled with some great sports memories but also fun times like the Friday night parties at Sully’s. Annette and I talk about them often. If you’ve ever watched Happy Days then you know what it was like at Paul’s house. Again, my sincere sympathies and best wishes. Jerry Spellman DiMillo
– Jerry DiMillo
Paul was one of te finest styudent-athletes I ever have known,. MY FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH pAUL WAS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD. wHEN i became the fooball coach at Cheverus he was my7 first quarterback. He also dropkicked extra points. He was unparalled as a hitter and playede any position we asked of him – except pitcher, a position already in good hands on both his Legion and Cheverus teams. A ytrue gentlemanh, his demeanor4, poise and attitude were the envy of everyone who knew him.
– Jack Dawson
You are an incredible loving and wise and I will truly miss and wish we had a better bond I love you grandpa
– Matthew R Sullivan
Paul in his Minnesota Twins baseball uniform
– Michael Sullivan
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
– Love Bob, Yvonne, Mike, Lori and Taylor