Retired Haverhill Patrolman Robert D. Sullivan Dies at 90

Retired Haverhill Patrolman Robert D. Sullivan, 90, husband of Celia (Dionne) Sullivan, passed away  Sept. 5, at his home in Haverhill surrounded by his family.

Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Daniel J. and Agnes (Burke) Sullivan. He was raised in the Acre section of Haverhill and he attended St. James High School. During World War II, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country honorably. Upon his discharge, Sullivan enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served during the Korean War. He was a member of the VFW Lorraine Post #29. He spent 28 years as a well-respected patrolman for the Haverhill Police Department, retiring in 1980. He was also a former president of the Haverhill Police Relief Association. He was a communicant of St. James Church and volunteered in many capacities at the church for many years. Sullivan was a dedicated Boston sports fan and an avid golfer.

In addition to his wife Celia, he is survived by his children, Daniel R. Sullivan and his wife Martha of Bradford; Karen E. Sullivan and her husband Vytas Ivanouskas of Gulfport, Fla.; Patricia A. Sullivan and her husband Richard Joseph of Haverhill; Michael P. Sullivan of Methuen; Jody A. Sullivan of Bartlett, N.H.; four grandchildren, Karla Sullivan, Molly Sarianides, Casey Joseph, Callie Joseph; four great grandchildren, Julie Plassmann, David Plassmann, Daniel Sarianides, Violet Sarianides; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his three beloved grand-dogs Hank, Scout and Rory. He was predeceased by his son Robert A. Sullivan, brother, John T. Sullivan and sister Dorothy Caron.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 4: to 7 p.m., at Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services begin Thursday morning, Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. in the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m., at St. James Church, Winter Street, Haverhill. Burial follows in St. James Cemetery, Primrose Street, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Ozzie’s Kids, C/O NE Exchange, 61 St. Botolph Street, Haverhill, MA 01832.