RICHARD P. "DICK" SULLIVAN, RISP (Ret.)

Richard P. “Dick” Sullivan, of Coventry, RI, and of Pompano Beach, FL, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the age of 86. He was the devoted and beloved husband of the late Irene M. (Louizous) Sullivan, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.

Born in Providence, RI, Dick was a son of the late James and Mary Kathleen (Neary) Sullivan. He was a loving father to his four children: Colleen, Erin, Patrick, and Kathleen, their spouses, and a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Gerald T. Sullivan of Rumford, and was predeceased by his brother, James M. Sullivan.

A 1955 graduate of East Providence High School, Dick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduation. He served with distinction as a sergeant during the early stages of the Cuban Revolution while stationed in South Florida, where he met and married the love of his life, Irene, on Hollywood Beach. Always proud of his military service, Dick held the Marine Corps’ motto “Once a Marine, always a Marine” close to his heart. Though offered the chance to attend flight school and Officer Candidate School, Dick chose to pursue his lifelong dream of joining the Rhode Island State Police. He began his career in 1961, serving in uniform for six years before transitioning to detective work. For over ten years, he led the narcotics unit, where his efforts culminated in the recovery of a multimillion-dollar drug shipment stolen from Wyeth Labs in Massachusetts. A few months later, he located the entire shipment in a home in Coventry; the drugs were recovered, and arrests were made.

A lifelong learner, Dick earned degrees from Bryant College, the University of Rhode Island, Northeastern University School of Law, and graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy, all while working for the State Police. As a lawyer, he was directed by Colonel Walter Stone to represent two troopers in civil rights cases in the U.S. District Court—he won both cases, an early testament to his legal acumen.

After retiring from the Rhode Island State Police in 1985, Dick joined the Westerly law firm Lenihan, Moone, Gallogly, Grady, and Sullivan. Ten years later, he founded Sullivan and Sullivan, a law firm in Coventry, with his son Patrick, a retired Cranston Police Detective. They worked together until Dick’s retirement in 2012. In addition to his legal career, Dick dedicated himself to public service in Coventry, holding several roles including School Committee member, Police Prosecutor, Probate Judge, Town Moderator, and Town Manager. He was a longstanding member of the Ocean State Credit Union Board of Directors and was named “Lawyer of the Year” by the Kent County Bar Association in 2005. A devout Catholic and active member of his community, Dick was involved with the Knights of Columbus, Club Jogues, the Elks, and the East Greenwich Fireman’s Club. Despite his many accomplishments, family was always his greatest priority. Now, Dick and Irene are together again, forever.

Richard’s funeral will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 9:45 AM at Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd. (ROUTE 3), Coventry, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Saints John and Paul Church, 341 South Main St., Coventry. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Greenwich. Visiting hours, Wednesday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

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