Timothy Francis Patrick Sullivan, 77, died on Sept. 28, 2019.
Mr. Sullivan moved to Montclair nearly 50 years ago when he began his “dream job” — as a professor in the physical education, health and recreation department at Montclair State University. He was the football, lacrosse and wrestling coach and also served as department chair during his career at MSU.
He graduated from St. Francis Prep. in Brooklyn in 1960, from Cortland State University in 1965 and received his masters degree from Ithaca College in 1967. He was a three-sport varsity athlete in football, wrestling and lacrosse and was awarded the prestigious “Red Jacket” when he was admitted to the Cortland State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.
Mr. Sullivan was one of the early developers of physical education programs for developmentally disabled children. He founded the Saturday Afternoon Special Activities Program at Montclair State University. He was the state director of the Special Olympics Program for numerous years. As a director of the Gifted and Talented Program that originated at Montclair State University, he was one of the pioneers to facilitate this flagship educational effort.
He remained an avid athlete throughout much of his life, with racquetball and skiing becoming his favorite sports. He was also a “backyard” coach and fan of his grandchildren as they played and excelled in high school and college sports, mainly lacrosse.
Over the past several months, he valiantly fought his battle with brain lymphoma.
He is survived by his children Ginny Moriarty (Rich), Tim Sullivan (Jackie) and Kelly Grady (Jim); his partner, Barbara Semmel and her three children Anne Semmel, Barbara Semmel and Beth Larkin (Rob); his former wife, Terry, and his grandchildren, Maggie, Paige, Chase and Campbell Moriarty, Tyler, Colleen and Madison Grady, Grace and Shane Sullivan; and Barbara’s two grandchildren, Conor and Matt Larkin, and his black lab, Bailey.
In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest supporting the Glen Ridge Girls Lacrosse Booster Club in their campaign to purchase new uniforms. Send donations to 14 Columbus Ave., Glen Ridge, NJ 07028.