Robert Sullivan Obituary

Richard James Sullivan Jr.

ORAMEL --- Richard James Sullivan Jr. of Oramel, NY passed away peacefully Saturday, January 18th 2025, after a long illness, at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester with his family by his side. He was born April 6, 1950, in Buffalo, the son of the late Richard and Ethel Hillman Sullivan, Sr. He married his loving wife Diane Thomas in 1971 at St Patrick's Church in Fillmore.

Rich was a graduate of Belfast Central School, class of 1968, he was a graduate of Genesee Community College, a graduate of Brockport where he received his Bachelor's degree and a graduate of Houghton College where he received his Master's Degree and was on the Dean's List.

While he was in school Rich worked road construction with his dad at Dalrymple Construction Companies and CP Ward. After his graduation from college he was employed for 35 years as the Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director at Belfast Central School where he was a longtime Soccer and Baseball Coach. Rich also spent decades painting with the A&E Paint Crew.

In his retirement years you would find him outdoors watching birds, snowmobiling, mowing his yard, star gazing, cruising in his 1969 Camaro with the windows down, watching his grandkids play, reminiscing with his fellow teachers and former students and in general enjoying life in the community he loved. His friendships extended far and wide and his favorite restaurant in the area was the Texas Hot - he would tell everyone about it!

Rich was an avid hunter, fisherman, trapper and conservationist. He enjoyed music, wood working, making wonderful generational family memories while boiling maple syrup and above all he enjoyed time with his family and pets.

He received several awards during his coaching career which included being inducted as a Hall of Fame member for Section 5 Soccer Committee, several Sportsmanship and Coaching Awards and was a NY State Instructor of Bow hunting and trapping Courses.

To list a few of Rich's many involvements, he was a member of St Patrick's Church in Belfast, a lifetime member of the Genesee Valley Conservation Club, a member of the Freemasons Lodge, the National Rifle Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, a past President of Oramel Cemetery Association, a past Member of Belfast Lions Club, a past volunteer firefighter and EMT for Belfast Fire Department, a past Town Board Member of Caneadea and a past Member of Allegany County Board of Elections.

Surviving in addition to his wife of almost 54 years, Diane, are their four children, Penny Schuld, Dawn (Scott) Kain, Mark (Amy) Sullivan, Sandy Miller; nine grandchildren, Dustin (Brittney) Schuld, Ryan Doty, Emily (Mat) Rohan, Dana Schuld, Brett Miller, Michael Kain, Emma Sullivan, Max Miller, Abby Sullivan; five great-grandchildren, Owen Doty, Ella Schuld, Nora Schuld, Kamden Kain, Caden Schuld, two loving brothers-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, a son-in-law and two brothers.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 pm 9:00 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore where a Rosary Service will be held at 6:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:00 am in St. Patrick's Church, Belfast. Fr. John Cullen will be celebrant. Burial will be in Oramel Cemetery, Oramel.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Oramel Cemetery Association, 8379 Route 19, Belfast, New York 14711

Online condolences may be made at: www.koplerwilliamsfuneralhome.com