Obituary of Kenneth E. Sullivan

Kenneth E Sullivan, 81, of Sanford Corners Rd, Calcium passed away Saturday, Aug 6, 2016 under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County and surrounded by his family. Arrangements have been entrusted to North Country Cremation Service. Calling hours will be held Friday, Aug 12, 2016 from 4 to 6 pm at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Watertown. Immediately following is a funeral Mass at 6 pm with an informal gathering in the back of the church afterwards. There will be a private burial Saturday in Lowville Rural Cemetery. He was born Oct 2, 1934 in Lowville, NY to Miles and Mabel Bibbins Sullivan. Raised in the Town of Lowville and the surrounding Tug Hill region along with an older brother Lawrence (Larry) Sullivan, Ken learned a great many things to include hunting, fishing, farming, logging and auto repair. His family was no stranger to the perils that life can bring as they endured the loss of Maynard (brother) in infancy and Miles (father) while Larry was still serving in the Army in WWII. These lessons and trials stayed with and became a part of Ken as he continued on to graduate from Lowville Academy. He soon became the youngest Atlantic Gas Station franchise owner. He served in the US Army under the 2nd Missile Command where he had the honor of being a part of history by tracking Sputnik and guarding one Elvis Presley. He owned and operated a gas station in Watertown for several years and worked as a mechanic for Whitaker Trucking Company for over a decade. Later in life he contributed to his community by lending a helpful hand to neighbors and serving as Chairman for the Town of Leray Democratic Committee. Ken Sullivan was married to Anita Pate on Saturday, July 16, 1960 and though that marriage eventually ended in divorce they remained good and faithful friends. He made many lifelong friends some of which passed before him and were sorely missed. Others continue on and are sure to miss his "unique" brand of humor and thoughtful ways. Thank you to all who have visited whether recently or in the past. Special thanks to Anne Fleming, Gail Kogut, Tara Farrell and the amazing staff at Hospice of Jefferson County for their months of tender loving care. Ken is survived by three daughters and their husbands, Theresa and Kevin Eassa, Burrville, NY, Bridget and Neil Minihane, Colorado Springs, CO, and Sarah and Dale Spicer, Louisburg, NC; a son, Sean Sullivan and twelve grandchildren. In lieu of flowers Ken requested donations be made to set up a scholarship through BOCES for future Auto Mechanics. Memorial donations can be made to State CS Employees FCU, 317 Washington St, Watertown, NY 13601 Memo: Ken Sullivan Scholarship Online condolences may be made at www.NorthCountryCremationService.com.