Easthampton, MA – William M. Sullivan, 81, of Easthampton passed away peacefully Saturday June 6, 2026, at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.
Bill leaves his beloved wife of 62 years Claire E. (Boulanger) Sullivan, his loving children William M. “Billy” Sullivan Jr., Kathleen R. Bischel (Greg), Maureen A. Brouillard (Jeff) Michael P. Sullivan (Renee) and Jake J. Sullivan (Cindy). He also leaves eleven cherished grandchildren: Erin Winchell (Dan), Sean, Ryan, and Kendall Sullivan, Jake Bischel (Lindzee), Karly Koran (Ron), Luke Bischel, Matthew and Grace Brouillard, Marco and Sandro Sullivan as well as five adored great grandchildren: Lillian, Sebastian, Evelyn, Bennett, and Callahan. He also leaves his loving sister Susan Swanwick (Mick), sister-in-law Jeanne Sulllivan, and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his brother Rick, sister Patricia, and her husband David.
“Sully” was born in Northampton Aug 10, 1944, the son of the late Patrick J. and Grace (Kablick) Sullivan. He was educated at the former St. Michael’s School in Northampton, attending St. Mike’s from elementary through high school-a graduate of the class of 1962. He continued his education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He was a proud UMass alum and a loyal supporter of their various athletic teams–particularly basketball-developing strong friendships across a fraternity of coaches. As a father, he created a world of adventures and experiences for his five children to laugh, love, and be together with his high school sweetheart Claire. His pride in his children and love of family were apparent to anyone who met him.
He was briefly employed as a salesman at the former Sears Department Store in Northampton, although he spent the bulk of his career as a probation officer in the Springfield Superior Court, retiring in 2002 after twenty years. Sully believed in second chances. He saw the inherent good in all people he encountered.
Billy was always in the community, well known for working at his family’s former store–College Highway Variety in Easthampton–for over 50 years. He also worked for many years at the O’Brien Funeral Home in Easthampton. He additionally had a deep love of baseball, serving as an umpire for the Hampshire-Franklin Baseball Umpire Association for nearly his entire adult life. He earned a reputation on the ballfield as being a quick-witted and affable official, although admittedly his strike zone would tend to grow a bit as it became closer to tip-off time on nights the Celtics had playoff games. Regular attendees of the 3 County Fair couldn’t help but encounter Sully in the infield on thoroughbred horse racing days, as he managed the Turf Club boxes for decades.
While Carlos Figueroa was famously referred to as “The King of the Fairs”, a strong argument could be made that Sully was the unofficial King of the Northampton Fair.
He was a member of the Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Easthampton, previously the Notre Dame Church. He was a very active member of many different civic organizations including the John Boyle O’Reilly Club in Springfield, The Benevolent Order of Elks in Northampton, the Pascommuck Club of Easthampton, the Polish Pulaski Club of Easthampton, the Easthampton Democratic City Committee, and the Easthampton St.
Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, who honored him as Easthampton Parade Marshall in 2013. Billy also volunteered tirelessly on numerous political campaigns, having great impact on local, regional, statewide, and national elections. He is the youngest person to ever be elected to town or city council in Easthampton, earning a spot on the Board of Selectmen at 25 years old.
Sully was a man of great integrity. He believed firmly in hard work, lending people a helping hand when needed and standing up for what is right. He was a masterful builder of communities and creating connections, constantly mixing and multiplying circles of friends to create memories with one another.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday 10 AM at the Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Easthampton, followed by a burial in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Northampton. Calling hours will be held Tuesday 5-7 at the O’Brien Funeral Home in Easthampton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Mission and Retirement Fund, 577 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104-9905.
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