John F. Sullivan

John F. Sullivan, 81, went to his final resting place on July 19th, 2026, at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center.

John was born on June 20th, 1945, in Troy, NY to the late Helen Edna (Lynch) and Jack Sullivan, and graduated from LaSalle Institute and later Siena College where he received a BS in Sociology in 1968. Upon graduation, John proudly enlisted and served his country as a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corp during the Vietnam Conflict and later as a Captain in the Army Reserve.

Upon discharge from Vietnam on his birthday in 1970, John married the love of his life Mary Ellen (Flinton) Sullivan seven days later on June 27th, 1970. John and Mary Ellen then started their lives together in Wynantskill, NY and became lifelong residents. John worked as a Rensselaer County Probation officer for many years and was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and was involved with the Knights of Columbus, as well as headed the after-school chess club at the St. Jude the Apostle School. John always had a heart for people in need and generously donated his time to serve as a literacy volunteer and spent many years as a “big brother” in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Capital Region program. He enjoyed the simple things in life- a good book, a campfire, fishing, and time spent with family.

He was an avid runner who participated in numerous Troy Turkey Trots and frequently could be seen swimming, exercising and playing racquetball at the Troy YMCA. During the later years of his life, John was a resident of the nursing home at the Stratton VA Center where he was known as a gentle, kind, humble soul and received excellent care from the medical, nursing, and recreation teams who became like family to him. He was an active member of the care community writing for the resident newsletter, participating in creative art competitions, “Play for your Freedom” workshops, and the Albany Veteran’s Choir. His wife, Mary Ellen, was his constant companion during this time, joining him in numerous activities, on outings, and generously donating to sponsor holiday parties, BBQs, and décor to brighten John’s and his fellow vets’ days.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Ellen Sullivan, his children, Erin (Jeffrey) Sobecks, Tara (William) Lindheimer, Maura (Sean) Sullivan, and Timothy (Nicole) Sullivan, along with his nine grandchildren, Joshua, Juliana, Ryan, Alyssa, Ella, Tessa, Evalyn, Nola, and Alexandra. He is additionally survived by his brothers-in-law Dr. Robert (Patricia) Flinton, Gerard (Maureen) Flinton, sister-in-law Kate Sullivan, predeceased by his brother Martin Sullivan and brother and sister-in-law Eugene (Donna) Flinton.

Family and friends are invited to join the family in honoring John’s life on Saturday, July 25th, 2026. Viewing will commence at 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm with a service immediately thereafter at the Wynantskill Funeral Home, 294 Whiteview Road Wynantskill, NY 12198.

In lieu of flowers, we request a donation be made to the: Recreation Therapy Fund, GPF 1329 Stratton VA Center,113 Holland Ave Albany NY 12208. 

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