Maurice Philip Sullivan

Maurice "Philip" Sullivan, a very special and well-loved gentle man died Thursday, September 08, 2011 at Nash General Hospital. Born in Catskill NY on August 02, 1940, Philip was one of God's favorites and enjoyed the love of all he met. In his youth, he was an altar server at Saint Theresa's Roman Catholic Church in Windham NY. He lived in Windham with his mother and father, Marie O'Grady Sullivan and Attorney Maurice Joseph Sullivan, and his sister, Stephanie Sullivan Brown. As he matured, he worked at Windham-Ashland-Jewett School where he did a variety of jobs. He also helped at the Shell station in Windham, washing car windows and charming the public. Upon his father's death in 1955, he resided with his mother in Windham until her stroke and death in 1983. He went to live with his mother's sister, Ann O'Grady Lalor and her family in Coxsackie NY. When Ann died, he lived for a period of time with his three first cousins, Stephen, Dan, and Ed Lalor, often alternating among their households. He led a life of diverse activities and enjoyed the attention showered on him by his family and extended family. Sixteen years ago, he moved to Rocky Mount NC where he lived with his sister, Stephanie and husband, Don and attended the Compensatory Education Program at Nash Community College which he deeply loved. His teachers, Rich Woodard and assistant, Ms. Joyner, gave him such fine attention. Philip participated yearly in Special Olympics at the local and state levels in Rocky Mount with bocce being his favorite sport. He won several NC Special Olympics State gold and silver medals as a member of the Rocky Mount - Nash four-man bocce ball team with coaches, Addie and Lorenzo Carmon, Shirley Freeman, and Debra Arrington. He took great pride in those medals and wore them everywhere. At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rocky Mount on Sunday morning, he carried the Book of Prayers and handed out church bulletins after Mass. Those jobs were such a delight to him and he undertook them with great dedication. Philip was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Each summer, Philip returned with his sister to his hometown in Windham NY where he led the 4th of July parade with his buddies from Windham Hose Company #1, who were always so great to him. He was predeceased by his "Good Buddy," Stephanie's husband, Donald F. Brown, with which he spent many fun-filled hours. Philip leaves to cherish his memory; his sister and guardian, Stephanie Sullivan Brown; and his three cousins, Edward, Stephen and Daniel Lalor and their families. Stephanie and Donald's sons, Kevin and Brian Brown and their families were Philip's loving and supportive pals, as were his extended family at Benvenue Country Club. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 7:30pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Rocky Mount with visitation in the church hall following the service. Memorials may be made in Philip's memory to the Rocky Mount-Nash Chapter of Special Olympics, P.O. Box 1180, Rocky Mount NC 27802 or to Windham Hose Company #1, Windham NY 12496 to help with the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irene. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 331 Hammond Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-972-0452 --> | Saturday 9/10, 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm Service Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 331 Hammond Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-972-0452 --> | Saturday 9/10, 7:30 pm