– July 16th 9:30-11:30am –
The City of Springfield Department of Public Works (DPW) announced today that traffic congestion is expected on the morning of Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in the area of Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan Park located on South Branch Parkway near Plumtree Road.
Springfield DPW has alerted motorists to expect traffic congestion on July 16th in the area of GySgt Thomas J. Sullivan Park on South Branch Parkway between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, particularly along South Branch Parkway and neighboring streets including Chesterfield Ave, Briarwood Lane, and Terrace Lane, etc.
A special ceremony will be held at the park on Wednesday to honor the life and memory of Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan, USMC, who died while defending our country 10 years ago.
Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan gave his life while defending his country on Thursday, July 16, 2015, during an attack on the Naval Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His heroic, unselfish actions that day saved countless lives of Marines, Naval Servicemen, and civilians passing outside the reserve. His bravery and love for his fellow Marines and mankind was exhibited on that fateful day.
GySgt Sullivan, “Tommy,” was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 22, 1975 to Jeremiah “Jerry” and Mary “Betty” (Vecchiarelli) Sullivan. He grew up in the East Forest Park neighborhood of Springfield, attended Holy Cross School, and graduated from Cathedral High School. Tommy received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and his Master’s Degree posthumously from American Military University. GySgt Sullivan proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 18 years. He was last assigned to Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Corps Reserve.
In 2017, the City of Springfield, through Mayor Sarno and the Park Commission, with coordination with the East Forest Park Neighborhood Council, officially dedicated the new park in Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan’s honor. The beautiful open space area near the water’s edge along Lake Massasoit, offers a tranquil, natural setting for passive recreation.
The special ceremony to honor Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan will be held on the 10-year anniversary of his passing, July 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the park on South Branch. This event is free and open to the public. A public luncheon will follow the ceremony at the Thomas J. Sullivan Banquet Hall at Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant, 110 Island Pond Road, Springfield, MA.
