April 15, 2017
In Memoriam: Douglas J. Sullivan ’74; Black Alumni Committee leader, former NAA Council member
Douglas J. Sullivan ’74, a devoted volunteer and leader with the College’s Black Alumni Committee and a former member of the PC National Alumni Association Council, died on Nov. 17, 2016.
A person with many passions, Mr. Sullivan held a special place in his heart for Providence College, to which he remained close over the decades. In addition to his longtime service with the Black Alumni Committee and his membership with the NAA Council, he regularly attended College events, including African-American alumni reunions, multicultural programs, and homecoming activities.
In 2004, the NAA recognized Mr. Sullivan’s affection for PC with the presentation of the Faithful Friar Award during the weekend of his 30th-year reunion. The honor is presented for extraordinary service and dedication to the College.
His loyalty and love for his alma mater was emblematic of his outlook and life. Known for his “One Love” signoff in a variety of contexts, he impressed friends and strangers alike with his warmth, kindness, and caring demeanor.
After graduating as a political science major from PC, Mr. Sullivan worked for many years as a claims supervisor and senior auditor with Aetna Insurance Company. He later worked for the State of Connecticut Second Injury Fund and AIG Insurance Services.
One who valued education, he left the corporate world in order to mentor young people and teach adults in the Hartford, Conn., area. Mr. Sullivan, who lived in nearby Bloomfield, worked for the last three years at the Public Safety Academy in Enfield, which is part of the Connecticut Regional Education Council. He also instructed adults who were preparing for their General Equivalency Diploma exam.
Mr. Sullivan’s other passions included travel, reading, writing, exercising, and sports. He especially enjoyed visiting college and university campuses and collecting their T-shirts. His love for people and music led him to many foreign and domestic destinations, including India, Jamaica, and Europe, and he was a big fan of the messaging and music of Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley.
Mr. Sullivan, who grew up in Newport News, Va., served on the board of the African Caribbean American Parents of Children with Disabilities, Inc. organization. He also served on various committees and boards in the Connecticut towns of Bloomfield and Windsor.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Patricia (Wellington) Sullivan; a daughter, Charmaine Wellington-Sullivan; three brothers; six sisters; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service for Mr. Sullivan was held on Dec. 3 at The Lodge Community Chapel in Windsor.
