Obituaries

Mark J. Sullivan

Passed 03/30/2026

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Obituary For Mark J. Sullivan

Mark Joseph Sullivan, also known as Sully, Moon, Big Sull, Ole Sull, and many other names, was a man deeply loved by all who knew him. He was the beloved son of the late Joan and John Sullivan; brother of the late Neil Sullivan and his wife, Jane Sullivan, of California, and Michael Sullivan and his companion, Patricia, of Lynn, Massachusetts. Mark was the loving and devoted husband of Barbara Byrne Sullivan for more than 40 years. Of all the names he carried in life, his favorite was “Dad” to Molly Kathleen, BridgetByrne, and Rose Anne, who predeceased him, and who we know was there to greet him when he left us. But his most treasured title was “Grandpa” to Cael Patrick Sullivan.

He spent every day talking with him, playing with him, giving high fives and fist bumps, watching TV together, and hearing the words, “I love you, Grandpa.”

Mark grew up in Rockland in a hardworking family. He loved sports, his friends, and his family. He joined the United States Marine Corps the day after graduating high school and became a Staff Sergeant in less than three years. That experience helped shape the man he became. Mark lived by the words Semper Fidelis and was known for being honest, trustworthy, and caring to everyone, no matter where they came from.

He was always helping neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers. Mark loved to talk and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He also enjoyed a good argument now and then.

He was a proud Golden Eagle of the Fraternal Order of the Rockland Eagles Aerie 841, where he enjoyed many hours of cold beers and maybe a whiskey or two with his brothers at “The Bird.”

Mark was the toughest man anyone knew. He attended CrossFit for many years before later making the switch to 110 Fitness. His childhood friendships lasted a lifetime. He remained close with Aram Onbashian, his oldest friend, as well as Bill Weaver, Bob “Gus” Christie, Pete Walls, Tom Carlier, Andy Owen, and Richard Harding. Together, they could sit for hours telling the same old stories, with a little more embellishment each year, of course.

Mark also valued the friendship and kindness of his neighbors, having lived beside the same people for more than 35 years. The Rafferty family, Mike, Sharon, and especially Kaitlin, were good friends and a tremendous help to the family when Mark needed himmost. Dave and Steve Golemme were always there as well, helping with the snow and the lawn mower, which meant so much to Mark and Barbara.

Barbara’s sisters and brother were like Mark’s own siblings. He loved them, and they loved him. We are especially grateful for their love and support during this difficult time: Alice Byrne Boyle (Bob), Kathy Byrne Scolley (Philip), Ruth Byrne, and Walter Byrne (Lisa).

Mark also loved being Uncle Mark. Some of his happiest memories were made during pool days, cookouts, bonfires, and driving all the kids around on his tractor. Mark loved nothing more than hosting a pool party, a holiday party, or a weekend by the pool, grilling and chatting with the large crowd who always came. He got a kick out of the time spent swimming with his many nieces and nephews. A special thank you goes to the Christie children: Bob, who helped care for Mark and drive him to appointments; Lily, who visited through the years; and Anna, who was always checking in.

Mark had a special love for Jamaica, where he began traveling in 1974. For many years, he and Barbara spent about two months each winter in Negril. Over time, they built many close friendships there, and those friends stayed in touch with him throughout the years. On the beach, he was often called “The General,” always recognized by his USMC hat.

Mark always loved Newfound Lake in New Hampshire, where he spent his summers as a child and later brought his own family. Time spent on his pontoon boat was always a fun-filled adventure.

Mark was a truck driver for more than 40 years and a proud member of Teamsters Local 25 in Boston. He served as Chief Steward for the Stop & Shop drivers for 25 years and as Sergeant-at-Arms for the union. He attended every organized event, protest, and strike. Actually, Barbara was home with three little girls watching the evening news and to her surprise the police were wrestling a Teamster to the ground. She thought to herself “that looks like Mark!” Sure enough, it was. Mark helped save the jobs of many of his union brothers and knew every law and regulation of the Master Freight Agreement. He was always proud to be a strong member of Local 25.

The family would also like to thank Sue and Bill Weaver for always being present and visiting Mark weekly during the past three years, the Brockton VA, and his aides Alexandria, Dani, and Gabrielle, who cared for him for two years through Right at Home with great compassion and dedication.Mark will be remembered for his strength, his loyalty, his stories, his opinions, and the way he showed up for the people around him. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed every day. Semper Fi.

Our family invites you to join us as we give Mark the send-off he deserves on April 17 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home in Rockland. Please bring a smile and a story to share. Donations in Mark’s name may be sent to: New England Center and Home for Veterans (Woman Veterans Homeless Shelter) 17 Court st. Boston, MA 02108

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Condolences

  • 04/19/2026

    One love. I met Barbra and Sully in Negril. Firefly. We shared rum good food and a lot of laughs together. A very kind man with a big heart with a quick wit. Love and respect from Canada. John .

  • 04/18/2026

    Thinking of you Barbara and family during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

  • 04/18/2026

    Thinking of you during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy Barbara for you and your family. Ellen Simmons

  • 04/15/2026

    Mark We miss you and your beautiful smile you are loved by all who came in contact with you!!! Tom Lyons 110 Fitness

  • 04/14/2026

    RIP my teamster brother ,dear Barbara and family, i am so grateful that I had the opportunity to share time at work and off the clock with such a great and funny guy..

  • 04/12/2026

    Mark Sullivan Teamster Brother. Irish soul. Family man. There are some men you never meet in person, yet somehow they leave a mark on your life that is real and lasting. Mark Sullivan was one of those men. Our connection came through his beautiful daughter Molly, who years ago made something clear to me that I already felt in spirit. Because of our shared bond as Teamsters and our deep Irish roots, we were already brothers. No handshake needed. I often asked myself, how do you miss someone you've never met? And yet, here I am feeling that loss. Mark followed my work, supported it, and I recently learned from Molly how much he admired what I stood for as a Teamsters leader. That meant something to me. More than he probably ever knew. He was a man who loved his family, carried his heritage with pride, and found joy in life, especially in the warmth and beauty of Jamaica, a place that clearly spoke to his soul. So today I say to you, Mark: Walk good, my brother. Until we meet again. May the Lord welcome you with open arms. May Saint Patrick guide you home. May the Blessed Mother hold you close. And may perpetual light shine upon you as you rest in the peace of Christ. Watch over Molly and your family. Stay near them. Protect them. You were respected. You were admired. And you will not be forgotten. Eternally your Brother, Riley

  • 04/12/2026

    Dear Barbara, Molly, Bridget and Rosie(praying), our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mark was a wonderful husband, Dad, and friend. May God bless all of you. Love, Laureen. Mike Walsh and family

  • 04/11/2026

    I'd like to express my deepest condolences to his family and friends I'm terribly sorry for everyone's loss he was a good man and an even better coworker may he rest in peace

  • 04/11/2026

    Cousin Mark, you truly were one of the good ones. I hate that we lost touch as time went by. I pray for Barbara, Molly, Bridgett and the extended family. May the peace that he has found, become your strength. I will forever hold the memories that we shared as family.. Marty

  • 04/11/2026

    Rest in peace mark. I'll never forget our trip o Jamaica.. that was one heck of a crew my condolences to the family.. you will suffer no more. Your friend Mike Delanis

  • 04/11/2026

    My sincere condolences to you and your family. I knew Mark through Stop & Shop. I always enjoyed talking about the Marine Corps with him. My father was a Marine Corps veteran and I Mark and I would share stories. I'm deeply saddened by his passing. He had a fantastic personality that would make my day better if ever he showed up to deliver the produce! Semper Fi Mark. May you rest in peace sir!! 🙏

  • 04/11/2026

    Our entire staff is sending our love to Barbara ,Bridget and the rest of the family

  • 04/11/2026

    Make the firefly family will mist you warm greetings and your fun comments you are always in our hearts sleep our friend and take your rest we will meet again

  • 04/11/2026

  • 04/11/2026

    Honored to know Mark. Interesting to read of his life! Much love and condolences to all the family, especially Barbara, Bridgette and Ceal Charlotte Calvin

  • 04/11/2026

    So sorry to hear the news of Mark's passing. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. 🙏

  • 04/11/2026

    To Barbara, Molly, Bridget, and all of his extended family, I want to express my sorrow at Mark's passing and my compassion for you during this difficult time. Mark was my favorite person in so many ways -- he didn't allow differences of opinion about the ways of the world stand in the way of solid friendship. His life of service and his genial hospitality contributed to my feeling of being at home whenever I visited. May peace be upon you as you press through your duties with sorrow in your hearts, and please be assured of my prayers, along with anything else I can do. I hope to turn out to be half the man that Mark was.

  • 04/08/2026

    Semper Fi My Friend!! R.I.P.

  • 04/06/2026

    Barbara and family, Was so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. He was much loved, and was so blessed to have you! Anne Marie Kennedy

  • 04/06/2026

    The world definitely lost one of the Good Ones. A genuine good person.

  • 04/05/2026

    Deeply saddened to hear of Mark's passing. I so enjoyed the years I was privileged to know him. We had many great times working together at Stop & Shop and with the Teamsters both on and off the job. I will always remember Mark and the joy he brought to all the lives he touched. To Barbara, Molly and Bridget you are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace my good friend... Bob McAllister

  • 04/05/2026

    So sorry and saddened about the loss of such a great guy of whom I always admired throughout our High School years. With prayers Linda (McKinnon) Hagan

  • 04/03/2026

    We have had the pleasure of knowing Mark, he was the most kind and caring man that we've been lucky enough to call a friend. Rest in peace with your darling Rose. You will be truly missed my friend.

  • 04/02/2026

    Barbara, My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.

  • 04/02/2026

    mark my buddy ur going to be missed everytime i c a platoon boat i always remember you

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