Longtime and much-loved Staples High School Latin teacher, and former Jesuit priest Daniel (Dan) Sullivan died peacefully on September 15 in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was 96.
Born in East Providence, Rhode Island, he and his brothers and sisters grew up in South Boston. After graduating from Mission Church High School in Roxbury, Massachusetts, he entered the Jesuit seminary at Shadowbrook in Lenox, Massachusetts. He later attended the Weston School of Theology at Boston College and was ordained in 1960, celebrating his first Mass in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
During his time in the Jesuits Dan began his life-long career of teaching Latin and Greek, which led to years spent at Fairfield Preparatory School, Greenwich Day School and Staples High (where he often arrived on his motorcycle). He was an inspiration and mentor to many students.
Dan Sullivan
In 1974 Dan met the love of his life, Maria Thompson. Married in August of 1979, they traveled together throughout New England. They found their home away from home in Vils, Austria, where he hiked, swam in mountain lakes, and explored shops and small villages with Maria.
Dan was always up for a quick trip to the North End of Boston for cannoli, no matter the time or the distance.
Dan had a life-long insatiable curiosity and a love of reading and language. He would often discuss an article from the New York Times (which he read voraciously), or recite a stanza of Latin poetry.
He had books in Latin, German, and Greek at all times, along with thrillers, poetry, and others on any subject about which he wanted to learn.
Dan is predeceased by his wife Maria Thompson; his brothers and sisters Sidney Sullivan, Harold Sullivan, Ethel Dow, Patricia Johnson, Sheila Vigenski and Mary Margaret Sullivan. and his stepson Scott Thompson. He is survived by his stepson Keith (Kate) Thompson, grandchildren Heather, Tara, Erik and Bridget; great-children Zachary, Gemma and Isabella; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Saugatuck Congregational Church on November 7 (11 a.m.).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pequot Library in Southport.
Mr. Sullivan was one of my daughter’s favorite teachers. She was the only girl in the class. Her name is Ariel, abut to her she was “Noble Ariel.” He made the study of Latin, so important if you tend to be a wordsmith, fun and interesting.