Obituary of Eugene J Sullivan

Sadly, we have to say goodbye to our friend, Gene Sullivan “Sully”.  You may have known him growing up in Boonton or went to school with him at Morris Catholic or FDU or William Paterson, perhaps you were a colleague or student at Ridgedale Middle School, played or listened to him keep rhythm in one of his bands.  However you knew Gene in life his passing has left a hole in the hearts of all who loved him.

Eugene James Patrick Sullivan, 74, of Kinnelon, NJ, formerly of Boonton, NJ, suddenly passed on Friday, January 7, 2022. 

Gene was born in Morristown, NJ to James and Margaret Sullivan, raised in Boonton, NJ and graduated from Morris Catholic H.S.  He earned a BA from F.D.U. and his MA from William Paterson.

He loved to teach art to his students at Ridgedale Middle School in Florham Park for 38 years. Gene was the beloved softball and basketball coach to many. After his retirement from Florham Park Board of Education, he was a substitute teacher for Kinnelon Board of Education for several years.

Married to the love of his life, Virginia “Ginny” (nee Colvin), they shared memories to last a lifetime.  Together they raised their sons, Ryan and Kevin in Kinnelon and enjoy their families including three grandchildren.

Gene loved playing the drums and was always active in local bands and venues that are far too many to list or remember!  His music career started with Harmony Senior Drum Corps of Boonton and ended with the Another Time Band.

He also enjoyed nature and the outdoors.  He loved the lake as well as the shore.  In his semi-retirement he became a wonderful cook and culinary epicurean.  Gene loved to create beauty in the art of music but he also painted and made ceramic pottery.  Some people may still have his works from craftshows.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Ginny; devoted sons and their wives, Ryan and Nicole, Kevin and Jennifer, adored grandchildren, Jane, Beck and Caelynn. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Maryann (Barnish) Kaszak.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, January 13^th from 4-8 pm at the Dangler, Lewis & Carey Funeral Home, 312 W. Main St., Boonton, NJ.  We will meet at Our Lady of the Magnificat R.C. Church, 2 Miller Rd., Kinnelon, NJ on Friday, January 14^th at

10:00 am for the Liturgy of Christian Burial.  The interment will follow at Our Lady of the Magnificat Cemetery in Kinnelon. 

*The family requests for all to wear masks and social distance at the funeral home and church for everyone’s safety.*

In lieu of flowers, donations to Gene’s beloved Harmony Senior Drum Corps,  P.O. Box 296, Boonton, NJ 07005 or Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 (www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online) would be deeply appreciated.