John Edward Sullivan

Longtime Poughquag, NY resident, John Sullivan, 82, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 9th, 2026, after a courageous fight with cancer and with the support of HV Hospice.

John was born in New York City on December 19, 1943, to Patrick and Margaret Sullivan (Lynch). John and his brothers, Eugene (Gene) Sullivan (pre-deceased) and Father Patrick (Pat) Sullivan, were raised together in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. He attended St. John's grammar school, Manhattan Preparatory High School, and Manhattan College, where he earned a degree in Social Sciences with a major in Psychology. His studies included graduate courses at Hunter College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. After college, he served in the New York Army National Guard as a 105mm Howitzer Gunner, where he attained the rank of Sergeant.

John had a long and distinguished career working for the New York State Division of Parole, retiring after 35 years of service in 2002. Many of his colleagues and their families became life-long friends of the Sullivan family. He worked in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Poughkeepsie, and completed his career as a Senior Parole Officer at the Green Haven Correctional Facility. During this time, he received numerous citations and commendations for the impact he made, including "Emerald of the Year" with the NYS Division of Parole Emerald Society, where he held office as a Vice President in the past.

He is survived by his wife and love of his life, Mary Jane (Kiszelewski), whom he met while they were both working at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City. They were married on November 4,1967, and together they enjoyed 58 years of love, memories and devotion.

John will always be remembered fondly and loved by the four daughters he and Mary Jane raised together: Jeaneen Sullivan, Cathy Ray (Greg), Mary Ritayik (John), Chrissy Sullivan, and by their grandchildren: Devon, Brian, Eric, Samantha and John III. They are eternally grateful for the caring and stable family that both he and Mary Jane dedicated their lives to, and the values they instilled.

After years of hard work and sacrifice, John and Mary Jane began a well-deserved retirement, traveling the world together. Often many of their friends joined them. Favorite trips included cruises to Alaska, and a memorable tour of the west of Ireland, where John was able to see the town in County Kerry where his father Pat emigrated from many years ago. Family vacations on Lake George, the Outer Banks, Florida, Cape Cod and on the East End of Long Island near where John worked as a teenager during the summer at Newsday Camp, were always joyful and full of funny family stories. John enjoyed local drives around the countryside and walks exploring the parks and preserves of beautiful Dutchess County, NY. Tymor Park and the Walkway Over the Hudson were some of his favorites, and his family will continue to visit these places to feel his presence.

Since childhood, John was a life-long fan of the New York Yankees and Manhattan College basketball. Go Jaspers! He was an avid Seinfeld fan, a voracious reader of history books and a witty and funny storyteller. While he was a wiz at Jeopardy and at Scrabble, he was often challenged with Pictionary drawings. Our favorite was his rendering of a "cat". He enjoyed playing softball with the Poughkeepsie Office Parole Team, and beers with his good friends after playing the usual unproductive round of golf at Baird, Dinsmore and "Dogpatch".

On June 10th, the family will be hosting a visitation from 9:00-10:30 am at McHoul Funeral Home, Hopewell Junction, NY. This will be followed immediately by a funeral mass at 11:00 am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, Lagrangeville, NY. Interment will be at the family's convenience.

In lieu of flowers, the Sullivan family appreciates donations to Hudson Valley Hospice or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

"Of all the money that e'er I had
I spent it in good company
And of all the harm that ever I done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all"

- "The Parting Glass" by the Dubliners