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FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- David J. Sullivan Jr., of Fairfield, former long-time resident of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015. He was 83.
Born July 12, 1931 in Bridgeport to David J. Sullivan and Irene C. Sullivan, Sullivan was raised in Fairfield, graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas School in 1945 and the Fairfield College Preparatory School in 1949. He received a B.S. degree from Fordham University in 1953, and while there, was a member of the Army R.O.T.C. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation, serving in the U.S. Army from 1954-56.
He received an L.L.B. from Georgetown University Law School in 1958. While at Georgetown, he served as an aide to U.S. Senator William Purtell, R-CT. Sullivan practiced law with several firms in Bridgeport, and became active in local politics and civic affairs, serving as Bridgeport Republican Town Chairman, chair of the Parish Council at St. Ann's Church, and as a director of the Mechanics and Farmers Savings Bank.
He served as a member of the Connecticut Constitutional Convention in 1965, and was twice elected to the Connecticut State House of Representatives, serving as Assistant Majority Leader. He pursued a full-time career in banking in 1978 with Mechanics and Farmers, becoming president and CEO.
He was married to the former Lyn Gaffney for 54 years. He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Thomas Farrell of Dunwoody, Ga.; son, David J. (Gioia) Sullivan III of Westport, Conn.; son, Michael (Vicky) Sullivan of New Canaan, Conn.; and six grandchildren. He also is survived by two brothers. He was predeceased by his son, Thomas; a sister and a cousin.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Family Church, 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Interment with military honors will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield.
Friends may call from 4-8 p.m.Friday in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be directed to the Sullivan Family Fund at the Fairfield County Community Foundation, 383 Main Ave, Norwalk, Conn. 06851. For information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com.
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