John Sullivan Jr.

OXFORD – John J. Sullivan, Jr., 81, of Old Worcester Road, died Friday, June 13, 2008, at Lanessa Extended Care Facility in Webster. He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Susan L. (Leader) Sullivan of Oxford; two step children, Beth A. Casamassa of Oxford and Cosmo J. Casamassa Jr. of Brimfield; a sister, Esther Mullen of Charlton, five grandchildren, Angela, Miranda, Kristen, Cosmo, and Aiden; and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ida (Castell) Sullivan, who died in 1992. Mr. Sullivan was born in Palmer, the son of the late John J. and Abigal E. (Buckner) Sullivan, Sr., and lived in Worcester before moving to Oxford in 1978. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Sullivan was the chief engineer at American Optical in Southbridge for 16 years, retiring in 1992. Previously, he worked at Felters Mill in Millbury and at Colonial Press in Clinton. Mr. Sullivan was active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 30 years. He enjoyed reading and sailing, and especially loved sailing around Narragansett Bay. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. Military burial will follow at North Cemetery, Oxford, with the Oxford Memorial Honor Guard participating. Calling hours are Tuesday, June 17, 2008, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.