John Sullivan

John Allen Sullivan "Sully", 73, of Poughkeepsie, New York passed away, Friday, October 7, 2016, at Renaissance Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center. He was born November 25, 1943, in Asheville, North Carolina to John Sullivan Sr. and Pauline C. Sullivan. He is the youngest of 12 children. John was preceded in death by his parents, John Sullivan Sr. and Pauline C. Sullivan; brothers, Willie Sullivan, Henry Louis Sullivan, and Thomas Sullivan Sr.; sisters, Barbara Tate, Johnnie Mae Sampson, Gloria Elizabeth Cherry, and Marion Johnson. He attended both Beacon and Wappingers schools. He enjoyed playing football, basketball, and running track earning letters in all three sports. John ended up playing for the Dutchess County Scholastic League (DCSL) before serving in the Vietnam War Infantry and was honorably discharged. He worked at Hudson River Psychiatric Institution. For 20 years he served as a recreational therapist retiring from there in 2000. He owned and operated Poor Man's Fish Market for 10 years where he worked and helped to feed the homeless. He worked as an In-School paraprofessional at Beacon High School until 2013 where he loved interacting with the teachers and students. During this time, John belonged to the Boys Scout of America, was a mentor of young adults, inspiring them to stay in school and work hard. He was also involved in AAU as a basketball assistant coaching young adults who had a passion for basketball, as much as he did. John was a member of Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Beacon and was a member of the Men of Valor Men's Ministry. In his free time, he volunteered at the Salvation Army. John was a resident of Admiral William Halsey Senior Village and enjoyed watching sports and having gatherings for and with his friends. John loved being the life of the party. Wherever he went, he never met a stranger. He is known for his charisma, humorous attitude and infectious personality. All who knew him, loved him. John leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Tracey Sullivan Keaton; two grandchildren, Taylor Alexandra Rainey-Sullivan and MacKenzie Noelle Keaton; devoted nephew, Robert "Snook" Tate; loving and supportive friends Belinda Harrell, Melanie Jordan, and Donald Redcross; nieces, Linda Tate Brown, Stephanie Cherry, Deborah Horton, Linda Horton, Denise Johnson, and Laura Johnson; nephews, Robert Horton, Dwayne Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, Brian Keith Cherry, Darius Cherry, and Thomas "Lil Tom" Sullivan, Jr.; and a host of great nieces and great nephews, loved ones and friends. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, October 14, 2016, at Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Beacon. Burial will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery. The body will lie in state 2 hours prior to funeral service. Arrangements are under the direction of Jarett D. Quick at Libby Funeral Home, Inc. 55 Teller Ave. Beacon, NY 12508 (845) 831-0179 For directions or to ;eave an online condolence please visit www.libbyfuneralhome.com Date Of Service Friday, October 14, 2016 at 11:00 to 1:00 PM Location Of Service Star Of Bethlehem Baptist Church 139 Main St Beacon