Robert A Sullivan

Robert A. "UNCLE BOB" Sullivan

Bob taxied down the run way on his final, earthly mission, on July 7,2017, flying higher than ever before and earning his final set of wings, to be welcomed, into peace eternal, by his holy father. In the pilot seat was his Sister-in-law, Catherine Mooney, accompanied by the co-pilot, and "Uncle Bob's" wife" Arlene Sullivan along with a hardy crew of his near and dear loved ones.

Born in Shreveport, La., March 8, 1935 to Marion Sullivan, Bob left home at the age of seventeen, and joined the US Navy, which he made his first and most passionate career. Choosing the life of a "brown shoe" he went on to fly P-3 Orion's, in Patrol Squadron VP- 26, stationed at Naval Air Station, Brunswick, Maine, where he met the love of his life (author's prerogative). Upon retiring from the Navy settled back in Maine where he began a second career as a Machinist. Working for General Electric, Montalvo, and Southworth Machine and finally as the assembler at Lechemere, a job he found to be a perfect fit working there until its closing. Later, Bob seasonally worked for the Post Office until his second retirement well into his seventies.

Bob served in Naval Air during the Korean Conflict as well as the Viet Nam War. He was a decorated veteran who served his country with pride and integrity; earning many commendations and medals including an Air Medal with the "v" attachment for Valor. He never wavered, and was a constant in each and every endeavor he undertook. He numbered among the members of the FRA, VFW, The American Legion, and all groups militarily associated.

Bob was a voracious reader, movie watcher, and history buff, from youth. He never tired of knowing the facts, and sometimes even, creating his own, but always knew which end was up. He was an uncle to everyone and took care of the needs of so many. It was once said, due to his reputation, if you don't know, or if you can't find it, "call "UNCLE BOB" he'll find it, or he'll get it. He became the go to person. He was so much, to so many. He would go to great lengths, spend countless hours to make sure he got the job done. He was gracious with his time, at your beck and call with his energy, and generous with his love, and it returned to him ten-fold.

He was a stubborn soul, and had to be in control, but had the finesse and acumen to allow people, to allow him, to be him. We all willingly acquiesced. He not only knew himself, but he could read all others. He was definitely a man of his convictions. He would not be led, would never follow. These traits were what defined what was so "uniquely him" Robert A, RAS, BBB, and my personal favorite Razzle Dazzle, lovingly bestowed by one very special person, Robert, by any other name, was still, and shall remain ... "UNCLE: BOB"

Bob was predeceased by, Mother Marion Sullivan, Brother Michael Sullivan and Son Sean Sullivan. He is survived by his wife, of forty-eight years, Arlene Sullivan, two daughters, Bridget Sullivan of Centre, AL. and Mary Helen Weiland, and grandson George Weiland of New Jersey, as well as all the Members of the family he married into, and was graciously accepted by, for nearly half a century. Sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and even the pets, "Loved Uncle Bob", and Uncle Bob loved them. Bob had a special connection to his brother-in-law, Patrick McLeod, who became an integral part of the Sullivan family, at an early age, ah the debates, the sparring matches, the competitiveness, the respect. That special bond and the memories of all that time spent together will live on. An amazing man, loved, revered, and held in such high esteem, by all who knew him. Bob never met a stranger.

Thank you Bob, for allowing me to share your life with you - Arlene

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at 10 am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. 

To share memories and condolences with the family please go to www.athutchins.com. In lieu of flowers donations maybe made to Pets for Vets, 118 Caleb Street, Portland, Maine 041

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