Rita D. Sullivan
Rita Claire (Doherty) Sullivan passed away on July 24, 2017. Rita was born in Hamden on July 3, 1929, a daughter of the late Francis & Muriel (Murphy) Doherty. She was the widow of Alfred E. Sullivan, Sr.; mother of Patricia Sullivan, Joan (David) Rhone, Frances (John) Copela, James (Renee) Sullivan and Robert (Colleen) Sullivan, all of Hamden, and the late Alfred E. Sullivan Jr. & MaryEllen St. Arnault; grandmother of Sean St. Arnault, Samantha St. Arnault, Tara Velardi, Robert (Kristin) Velardi, Christopher (Katie) Rhone, Kerry Rhone, Daniel (Marisa Chilelli) Rhone, Patricia Copela, Jennifer (Christopher) Atchley, John P. Copela, Eric Sullivan, Jenna Sullivan, Bryan Sullivan, Colby Sullivan & Connor Sullivan and the late Jamie Lynn Sullivan; great-grandmother of Gianna Velardi, Kellen & Camden Rhone, & Eloise Atchley; sister of the late Gerald & James Doherty, Patricia MacGregor, Lucille McSherry, & Audrey Burke; mother in-law of Robert St. Arnault, and sister in-law of James MacGregor & Charlotte Doherty. Rita is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Rita was a graduate of St. Francis School of Nursing in Hartford and was a Registered Nurse employed for over 36 years at Quinnipiac College Health Center and Yale Health Center. She was a member of the Laurel View Women's 9 Hole Club, the Hamden Democratic Town Committee of many years, and the Hamden Ethics Board for 10 years. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren, especially at their sporting events; she loved a good hockey game, hot and sunny summer days, a good debate, and crossword puzzles. Rita's family would like to express a special Thank You to all the nurses and staff at Masonic Hospice. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alfred E. Sullivan, Jr. Scholarship Fund, c/o Webster Bank, 145 Bank Street, Waterbury, CT 06702 or to the Jamie Lynn Sullivan Memorial Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 185248, Hamden, CT 06518. Friends may visit with Rita's family on Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue and are invited to go directly to St. Rita Church, 1640 Whitney Ave., Hamden on Friday, July 28th to attend her Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.
I was very sorry to learn of Rita’s passing. She was a great lady and an inspiration to all who knew her. I especially enjoyed playing golf with her and will miss her and think of her every time I am at Laurel View. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim, My deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of you Mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty and family, I am sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Rita was a very sweet person who will be missed by all who knew her.
A good life well lived and celebrated. Condolences to the Sullivan extended family from your former neighbors the Judds of Lake Street. With sympathy
God Bless the Sullivan Family and may you all stay in Peace. Rita was so loved & will be missed by many. Rita was my Mom’s long time friend. I loved the video and spotted my Dad in the wedding photo to the right. Sending Love, Patty Conroy
In condolences to the Rhone and Sullivan Family in the passing of your Dearly Beloved Mother Rita Sullivan. My heart is heavy but my spirit rejoices over the woman that has led a legacy of several generations with morale values, integrity honor and love for the things in life that meant more than anything….family! As I watched the video, knowing some of the family personally, it warmed my heart to see the unity of love that Rita had for her family gatherings from beginning to end. May those cherished memories and memorials be a part of each and everyone of your lives for generations to come. She shall live on in your hearts with chords that can not be broken. May God’s grace comfort you in love. Love Pamela Darden
Sending my deepest condolences to the Sullivan family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My prayers and thoughts with the Sullivan family. Rita was an extra special person and will be missed by all. God bless.
Sending our deepest sympathies to the Sullivan family. So sad to here of Mrs. Sullivan’s passing. May God bless and give you peace and strength during this sad and difficult time.
Rest in Peace Great Aunt Rita. I will always remember your kind spirit and your beautiful blue eyes. Maura Doherty San Francisco, CA.