Robert Francis Sullivan

"South Hadley - Robert Francis Sullivan , 86, of Skyline Dr passed away on September 20, 2014. Born September 15, 1928 in Newport, RI, he was the son of Robert I. and Mary (Maher) Sullivan. Robert was a graduate of De La Salle Academy in Newport, RI in 1946. He went on to receive his BBA in Personnel Management. From 1946-1950, Robert served in the US Army 11th Airborne Division. On May 4, 1951 in Greenville, SC, he married Barbara Ann Nass of Newport, RI. He proudly served his country in Korea in the US Air Force where he flew 75 combat Missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. He retired as Chief of Maintenance and Director of Material Atlantic Air Rescue from the USAF, obtaining the rank of Major after 22 years of service. From 1970-1989, Robert worked for the FAA and was supervisor of the Operations Unit at Barnes. As a Command and Test pilot, Robert was qualified as a Flight Instructor, Ground Instructor, Airline Transport Pilot, Airframe Mechanic, Airplane- single and multi-engine land and sea, rotorcraft-helicopter. After his retirement, he owned and operated Sullivan Assoc., an Aviation Consulting Firm. A distinguished pilot, Robert was a proud member of the Quiet Birdmen Assoc., American Helicopter Society, NE Helicopter Pilots Assoc, Air Resupply and Communications Assoc., Air Rescue Assoc, and USAF Helicopter Pilots Assoc. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara A. Sullivan along with his children, Kathleen LaBernz and her husband Alan of The Villages, FL, Karen Devins and her husband Pete of Holyoke, Karol Sullivan of Marlboro, Michael Sullivan and his wife Reada Evans of Newport, RI, Lawrence Sullivan and his wife Ruth of South Hadley, and Brian Sullivan and his wife Betsy of Fair Haven, NJ. Robert also leaves 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Theresa's Parish, where he was a communicant. Kindly gather directly at the church. Burial with full military honors will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. Donations may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105. For details, visit www.beersandstory.com. "