Thomas L. Sullivan

Of Lewiston, NY, passed away Monday, September 1, 2025.  He was born in Niagara Falls, NY on August 21, 1941, a son of the late Laurence and  Lillian [Volante] Sullivan.

Tom was a graduate of Bishop Duffy High School.

Tom was an engineer with the soul of an artist. Or possibly the opposite. He was endlessly curious and perpetually in motion. He needed to know how things worked, how they were connected, and the path they took to get where they were. Then he’d figure out if and how he could work with them and hone his skills until he could do them right. That was important.

 As he teenager, he’d hitchhike from his hometown of Niagara Falls, N.Y., to Lake Ontario to see how far he could go, often without regard to what he would do when he got there or how he would get home. He was curious about the world and tried to see and experience as much of it as he could.

Tom had a lifelong fascination with boats and the sea, and over the course of his life, he owned perhaps a dozen sailboats, which he kept everywhere from Youngstown and Fairhaven, N.Y., to the coast of Maine and Ontario’s Georgian Bay. He also loved people and demonstrated it in deeds great and small. Tom was interested in everyone he met and never forgot a soul, no matter how brief the encounter. He was a great and appreciative correspondent and took time to visit the sick and the lonely. He didn’t bother with appearances, and people who did soon forgot why after meeting him.

 A born storyteller, Tom had the experiences to populate them, and the humor to put his audience in stitches. His storytelling wasn’t limited to words, but was also the soul of his rightfully praised and prized art. In each marine painting were his deep knowledge of the boats, of the place, and of the water itself. His Christmas ornaments were done with a deft, light touch that softly glowed with the spirit of the holiday. Tom illuminated every room he entered. A roomful of strangers was more of an opportunity than an obstacle, and friends were for life. No one who met him forgot him and no one ever will.

He is survived by his companion Karen Simpson, his children Christopher (Lauren) Sullivan and Rachel Simpson, three grandchildren Evan Sullivan, Sawyer and Liliana Simpson, his former wife Linda [Baker] Sullivan,  three sisters Barbara Shanahan, Patricia and Lauren Sullivan, a nephew David (Carolyn) Yaseen, also many nieces and nephews.

Everyone is invited to attended his Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY.

Memorials may be made in name to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation.

Arrangements were made through the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, Lewiston, NY.
Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.

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