Kerry E. Sullivan
January 27, 1953 ~ November 23, 2020
Born in:
New Haven, CT
Resided in:
Southbury, CT
Kerry Ellen Sullivan, 67, of Southbury, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, November 23, 2020. Born in New Haven, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Leona (Steinle) Sullivan. Kerry leaves behind her sister Tara Sullivan Rickart of Southbury, and niece Marcy (Rickart) Kelman and her husband Christopher Kelman and their children, Jackson and Josie, of Monroe. Kerry was predeceased by her brother, Captain Leo D. Sullivan (USAF).
As a teenager, Kerry and her siblings worked in her father’s popular New Haven eatery, Patricia’s Restaurant. After graduating from North Haven High School, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Boston College with a double major in Art History and French. Kerry went on to receive her Master of Arts in Art History at the University of Massachusetts. Kerry worked at The Frick Collection in New York City for 30 years, retiring as the Head of the Photo Archive Department. Prior to joining the Frick, she worked at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven and served on the Board of Governors for The Census of Stained Glass Windows of America.
Kerry was a devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southbury. She loved travelling, laughing with friends, and spending quality time with her grandniece, grandnephew, and close-knit family. More than anything else, Kerry will be remembered for her genuine cheerfulness, kindhearted nature, and compassionate spirit. She radiated positivity and had a smile for everyone she met.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 910 Main Street South, Southbury. Prior to the Mass, Kerry’s family will be at the church at 10:00 a.m. to receive condolences. Masks, social distancing, and attendance protocols must be followed. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in Kerry’s name to the Leo D. Sullivan ’66 Memorial Scholarship Fund, Notre Dame High School, 1 Notre Dame Way, West Haven, CT 06516. Arrangements are in care of BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT.
Services
Visitation: December 1, 2020 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Sacred Heart Church of Southbury
910 Main St. South
Southbury, CT 06488
Mass of Christian Burial: December 1, 2020 11:00 am
Sacred Heart Church of Southbury
910 Main St. South
Southbury, CT 06488
“ there is no better friend than a cousin and no better cousin than you”
That’s our definition of cousin Kerry.
Kerry was one of the nicest people on the planet .We will miss her terribly.
Our deepest sympathy to Tara, Marcy, Chris, Jack and Josie , and all of Kerry‘s beloved friends and cousins.
May she rest in peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Tim and Sue Ellen
Kerry was an upbeat, warm, caring colleague and friend at the Frick Art Reference Library. Everyone loved her. I knew her from the 1st day she worked there and Kerry never lost that smile.
Sincere condolences to Kerry’s family.
Kerry was a very special person.
Amy Schwarz
NYC
I heard a lot of good things about Kerry and when I had the privilege of meeting her in person she lived up to her good name. She was endearing, funny,bright, humble and likeable.
She had a heart of gold and is now a shining star ⭐️ in heaven reunited with her brother and parents. I’m sure they are delighted to hear her warm laughter again.
May her gentle soul rest in peace
In the 49 years I knew Kerry, I learned a lot about: optimism, generosity, creativity, being gracious and kind, steadfastness, trust and love. Mostly I learned about the value of sharing these with others from her without any hesitation and the power of doing so. She enriched my life and will continue to do so. What an extraordinary friend!
Mary Pat
Kerry was a very special person. From the first day I met she was warn , caring, and friendly. Her smile brighten every room she enter. She was not only a great co worker she was also a greater friend. My prayers goes out to the family. God bless.
Much love,
Ameela Padarat
NYC
I extend my deep sympathy to Kerry’s family for their loss. I was hired by Kerry as a volunteer at the Frick Art Reference Library in 2001 and worked for her there on and off for almost 20 years until she retired in 2017. She was, without question, the best person I ever worked for in my life – always cheerful, funny and upbeat and always available when I needed help. She gave me such interesting projects to work on and those projects helped me to broaden and deepen my knowledge of art history. Those post retirement years I spent at the Frick were some of the best years I had and I shall remember her so very fondly. She is certainly a person it is hard for me to say goodby to but I am fortunate to have so many good memories of my time at FARL. I am sure she is resting in peace.
May Kerry Rest In Peace. May the angels take her to paradise and may she be with God
May the angels take Kerry to paradise and may she be with God.
She looks like a joy–filled, lovely lady. Her bio sounds like she was as well. I am sure you have many wonderful memories to help you through thids difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers.
Always upbeat, positive and inspiring in so many ways. Would light up a room as soon as she walked in.
You will be in my heart forever!
Paulette Patricia Davis
Tara
Thanks for remembering us. Your whole family was special to us. Our prayers and hearts out with you.
David
Louisa Wood Ruby
I remember Kerry all the way back to her high school days. Even back then she always had a wonderful smile and a laugh that made you laugh too. Rest in peace, Kerry.
My deep condolences to Kerry’s family and friends. I only recently got to know Kerry when I became her neighbor. Always a delight to be around and she spread cheer wherever she went. I will miss my dear neighbor.
Dear Tara and family,
Please accept my sincerest sympathy and condolences on the loss of your beloved sister, Kerry.
I never knew Kerry but, after reading her story and hearing from her dear friends I certainly feel like I do now. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. …and may Kerry rest in peace.
Love and Hugs, an old NHHS friend
Katie Pope Fuchs
Dear Tara and Family,
I am so sad to learn about Kerry’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I worked for Kerry for many years at the Frick Art Reference Library’s Photoarchive. She was truly one of the warmest most generous people I’ve ever known. And she had an amazing memory– she never forgot a colleague’s birthday or anniversary. We stayed in touch and remained friends after we worked together and I know she was treasured by everyone there.
Julie Shean
Kerry will be sorely missed.
I extend my deepest condolences to her family.
Rodica Tanjala Krauss
Dear Tara,
I would like to offer my deepest condolences for your loss. I worked with Kerry at the Yale Center for British Art some 40 years ago. I have often reflected on those years we were colleagues. Kerry always welcomed everyone to our office in the photo archive with a warm smile and kind words. She was a supportive friend and I will forever be thankful for her strength and dedication to the project we worked on.
Dearest Tara and family,
It’s painful to imagine this earth without Kerry. But I find consolation in knowing how close you all were. Kerry’s extraordinary light, insight and humor lives on. And, of course, her love.
Reflecting on how much Kerry meant to me personally and to so many of my colleagues could fill a very thick book. Working with Kerry for the many decades we shared stewardship of the photoarchive of the Frick Art Reference Library was always a joy. Ever smiling, ever encouraging (especially for new staff and interns who would become part of the Kerry team) Kerry championed big ideas and in her quiet way, made those big ideas become realities, never taking personal credit. She rejoiced in the success of others and, I know this personally, she delighted knowing what positive, happy experiences others had known from travel and conferences. I hesitate to go on too long (I could), but must say that I always thought that Kerry faced too many unwelcome challenges for one person and yet she met each and every one of them with inner resignation and outward positive energy, an energy she unfailingly conveyed to all who knew her. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Kerry, see her talent, and enjoy the bright light of her personality for so many years. I will miss her while I will cherish the memories – Inge Reist
Thank you, maybe I can help you with something too?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming the one manifestations of the Holy Spirit are these recorded within the e book of Acts of the Apostles: healings, miracles, exorcisms, and dramatic preaching.
So sorry to learn of Kerry’s passing. We were friends way back in elementary school in North Haven. Our paths went in different directions in Jr. High and High School, but I remember Kerry as one of the most cheerful, good-natured, and kind people I’ve ever been privileged to meet.