Paul M. Sullivan

Middletown, RI - Paul Sullivan, 39, of Middletown, Rhode Island died peacefully at home on February 13, 2007 after a long, courageous battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a rare form of brain cancer. He is survived by his wife Michelle Lyon, his children, Zebadiah 12, Addison 11, and Isla 6. He also leaves his mother, Alice Sullivan, brothers, Ted and Dave, all of Connecticut, as well as his sister Colleen Strong, of West Virginia. Born in Massachusetts, Paul was a life-long resident of Middletown. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1985. He was a member of the United Congregational Church, where he and Michelle were married. Paul met Michelle playing hockey at St. Georges ice rink. He was a dedicated husband, father, friend, and coach. Paul spent much of his free time coaching. He dedicated his time to Newport County Youth Hockey, Island Youth Lacrosse, and Middletown Pop Warner Football. He motivated children with his enthusiasm and love for the game. The families and their children have been touched by his commitment and dedication. Despite his diagnosis with cancer, he continued to coach, and then later could be found in the stands cheering these children on. Helping each child to reach their full athletic potential and confidence to succeed was always Paul?s main goal. In November of 2006 he received the Heart and Soul Award for coaching from US Lacrosse. In addition to coaching, he continued to pursue his passion for sports, in particular hockey, by playing with friends in a mens league and organizing neighborhood games on the rink he would build each year in the backyard of his home. He worked as a foreman for Kirby Perkins Construction. Paul was extremely proud of his involvement in the renovations of Castle Hill; Swiss Village, a preserved estate on Ocean Drive; the restoration of Rough Point, the former estate of Doris Duke, and Grey Craig, one of the largest private residences in Middletown. Paul also led the restoration of North and South Halls, at Salve Regina University, which earned the Newport Historical Societys 2003 Historic Preservation Award. Paul took enormous pride in each project, large and small, and was well respected by his crews. He was always willing to lend a hand to friends and family, whether it was to finish a deck, renovate a kitchen, or plow a driveway during a snow storm. In a recent school assignment Paul was interviewed by his son, Addison, and when asked what his most important accomplishments were, his answer was, being a good father and role model. Everyone who knows Paul would agree. Paul was extremely grateful to his community for all their love and support during his battle with cancer. Calling hours are on Sunday, February 18, from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 at Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Avenue, Newport.A Memorial Ceremony will take place at St. Georges Ice Rink on Monday, February 19 at 4pm, with open skating time to follow. Don?t forget to bring your skates and a hat or helmet. Children from all sports that Paul has coached are invited for a special tribute.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following organizations: The Paul Sullivan Scholarship Fund, c/o Newport County Youth Hockey Association, 1151 Aquidneck Avenue, Suite 408, Middletown, Rhode Island, 02842. The Sullivan Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Newport Federal Bank, 165 East Main Road Middletown, RI 02842 ; or to Glioblastoma Research c/o Ellen Stainback, Box 3624 DUMC, Durham, NC 27710.