Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined the Sullivan family, and State Representative Angelo Puppolo for a ceremonial check presentation at Nathan Bill’s as the stewards of the GySgt. Thomas J. Sullivan Memorial Fund formally present charitable donations to two local organizations: (1) Pope Francis Preparatory School, and (2) members of the United States Marine Corps, representing the Westover Air Reserve Base 6 Marines.
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 GySgt. Thomas J. Sullivan Memorial Fund honors the memory and legacy of Springfield native GySgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, USMC. The Fund helps support an incoming Pope Francis Preparatory School student who lives in Springfield, demonstrates solid moral character, and has placed community service among their priorities. Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan was a 1994 graduate of Cathedral High School.
For ten years, the Annual GySgt. Thomas J. Sullivan Remembrance Run has taken place in the East Forest Park neighborhood, kicking off from Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant on Island Pond Road. Mayor Sarno is honored to join for this event each year an continues to support The GySgt. Thomas J. Sullivan Memorial Fund.
Mayor Sarno states, “I am proud to stand with the Sullivan family and support and donate to the Annual GySgt. Thomas J. Sullivan Remembrance Run to honor and never forget the memory and sacrifice of Springfield’s own Tommy Sullivan. I cannot thank the Sullivan family enough for always giving back to our community from the GySgt. Sullivan Scholarship Fund, to Jessy’s Fight, and the countless other community outreach initiatives the Nathan Bills team and Sullivan family does without fanfare. Thank you. God Bless you, God Bless the memory of GySgt. Thomas J. Sullivan and God Bless our Springfield.”
