William P. Sullivan, Jr.

WORCESTER – William P. Sullivan, Jr., 79, passed away on Monday, June 29, at St. Vincent Hospital.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Maryann (Coppola) Sullivan; three children, Tammy Murray and her husband, Tim, of Worcester, William Sullivan III of Worcester, and Michael Sullivan and his wife, Amy, of Webster; five cherished grandchildren, Colby Milton, Kyle and Lacey Sullivan, and Helen and Katerine Murray; three great-grandchildren, Beau and Francesca Milton, and Charlotte Terlizzi; three siblings, Ronald Sullivan and his wife, Janet, of Holden, Linda Zachariewicz of Webster, and Brian Sullivan and his wife, Tracey, of Charlton; along with many nieces and nephews.

Born in Worcester, Bill was the son of William and Dorothy (Keyser) Sullivan. He graduated from Burncoat High School, proudly served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, and worked for nearly 40 years as a molder at Norton-St. Gobain.

A hardworking and humble man, Bill believed that the things that mattered most were family, love, and doing the right thing. He often reminded his children to “Have a good day,” “Do your best,” and “Do good. Be good.” Although he spent his life working hard, he always said he considered himself truly rich because of his family.

A longtime member of the Central YMCA, Bill loved playing basketball, where he was known for his three-point shot, and swimming laps. When there wasn’t a local youth soccer program in the Webster Square neighborhood, he helped organize youth soccer through Worcester Youth Soccer and coached multiple teams, giving his children and many neighborhood children the opportunity to play. He also coached Ty Cobb Little League baseball, Sacred Heart basketball, and Worcester Youth hockey, always encouraging young athletes to do their best.

Bill found his greatest joy in spending time with Maryann, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed birdwatching, long walks through Elm Park, drives to Mount Wachusett, outdoor concerts, dinner at Val’s Restaurant, following sports, keeping up with current events and politics, attending civic programs, and sending the occasional random emoji text that always made his family smile. He had a special love for dogs and appreciated the simple pleasures of everyday life.

More than anything, Bill will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach, co-worker and friend whose greatest legacy is the family he cherished. Bill and his family understand that many friends may have already made holiday and vacation plans. In his spirit the family asks people not to interrupt their family time or travel and instead raise a toast to Bill, celebrate America’s 250th birthday and “ Be Good and Do Good” as Bill would say.

Visiting Hours will be held Sunday, July 5, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, July 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Worcester Educational Development Foundation, 210 Park Avenue, #224, Worcester, MA 01609, to support middle school sports, civic education, and history programs for Worcester Public Schools students.