Thomas Sullivan, OFM

1930 – 2009

Br. Thomas Sullivan, OFM, was born June 29, 1930 in Melrose, Mass. He enrolled at St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., and was received into the Order in 1951 at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., receiving the name Valerian Eugene. He professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1955.

In 1959, he was assigned as a sacristan and porter in Paterson, N.J., where he ministered for almost 25 years. Br. Thomas then became sacristan at St. Francis Friary, where he served for five years before transferring to Sacred Heart Friary, East Rutherford, N.J., where he also served in the AIDS ministry there. In 1999, he retired to St. Anthony Friary, Butler, N.J., although he continued to serve as part-time sacristan and telephone operator.

He died on Feb. 18, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Wayne, N.J. Br. Thomas was 78 years old, a professed friar for 56 years.