Robert Sullivan, 73

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Robert J. Sullivan (Bob/Sully), of 79 Leona Drive, Pittsfield, Mass., passed away on December 31, 2017.

Born in Pittsfield on December 16, 1944, he was the son of James D. Sullivan and Laura (Chamberlain) Sullivan. A longtime resident of Pittsfield, he was educated in Catholic schools, graduating from St. Joseph's High School in 1963. He continued his education at Berkshire Community College and was a graduate of Ward's IBM School in Worcester, Mass.

Bob worked at General Electric Company, Ordnance Systems, as a Computer Operator for 26 years. After leaving GE in 1992, he went back to school in Kentucky and started his own business as a locksmith. After graduating from Lockmasters, Inc., he opened a successful local business known as Berkshire County Locks & Maintenance. Bob retired in March 2013.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam Era, serving in the Army National Guard for six years. He was honorably discharged in 1971. He always enjoyed going to the Veterans Day Parade so he could honor and salute his fellow veterans as they marched by. Being athletic and adventurous throughout his life, he enjoyed cross country skiing, canoeing, mountain biking, motorcycle racing, flying airplanes as well as riding his Harley Davidson across country. Bob was in the very first Josh Billings race held in 1977, racing a canoe for his team.

Bob leaves his wife, Diana (Di Massimo) Sullivan of 45 years; two daughters, Kristen Greenleaf and her husband Paul of Fort Myers, Fla., and Katie Benham and her husband Jeff of Naples, Fla.; a sister, Marian Callahan and her husband George of West Springfield, Mass.; three grandchildren, Eyan Greenleaf, Rylan Greenleaf and Lauren Benham; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank HospiceCare for their love, care and support during Bob's illness.

Funeral notice: The funeral for Robert J. Sullivan will be held Thursday, January 4, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church on 191 Elm St. in Pittsfield, with the Rev. Michael Bernier officiating.

Calling hours will be held at the church from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. preceding the funeral. Donations can be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires.