James A. Sullivan, MD

March 7, 2023
SULLIVAN, JAMES A., MD

James A. Sullivan, M.D., 88, of 10 Allds Street, Nashua, N.H., died peacefully at The Hunt on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

Dr. Sullivan was born on June 18, 1934, in Manchester, N.H., to John and Lillian (Dionne) Sullivan. He attended Bishop Brady High School in Manchester and graduated from Manhattan College in Manhattan, NY. On September 7, 1959, he married his wife Muriel (Toutain) Sullivan in Manchester, and in 1960, he graduated with a medical degree from Tufts University in Boston, MA.

Dr. Sullivan completed his medical internship at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army where for the next several years he traveled with his wife across the United States living in Dugway, Utah; Fort Lewis, Washington; and Fort Rucker, Alabama. Between 1960 and 1966, he completed his pediatric residency, and he and his wife welcomed four children.

In September 1966, Dr. Sullivan and his family relocated to Nashua where he and his wife raised their children. He co-founded Nashua Pediatrics Association and for nearly 40 years cared for the children of Nashua.

Dr. Sullivan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to so many. He is survived by his sisters Diane (Sullivan) Flynn and husband Brendan, Patricia (Sullivan) Straffin, and Eileen (Sullivan) Denoncourt and husband George; daughter Joanne (Sullivan) Richardson and husband Kevin Richardson; daughter Catherine (Sullivan) Stockman and husband Stephen Stockman; son Timothy J. Sullivan and wife Lynn (Matton) Sullivan; daughter Laurie (Sullivan) Tannenbaum and husband Keith Tannenbaum; grandchildren James Cathcart, Keith Richardson, Jeff Stockman, Jennifer Stockman, Adam Matton, John Sullivan, Zachary Tannenbaum, and Dillon Tannenbaum; and 10 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years Muriel (Toutain) Sullivan, his parents John and Lillian Sullivan and his sister Joan Sullivan.

Visiting hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, N.H., Friday, March 10, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, N.H., Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hunt Community Scholarship Fund, 10 Allds Street, Nashua, N.H., 03060, or the Home Health and Hospice Care Center, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, N.H., 03054. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com

29 Comments on James A. Sullivan, MD

Jane Watson said : Guest Report Mar 17, 2023 at 1:07 PM

To the Sullivan Family, Dr. Sullivan touched so many lives with his expertise as a physician and his kindness to the parents. He had a straight-forward approach that comforted new parents and gave them confidence in caring for their children. I had the privilege of thanking Dr. Sullivan for caring for the Watson children when we were on the same flight, and I recognized him. He had retired by then and I could tell from his smile that he was pleased I stopped to thank him. Wishing all of you comfort in the memories you have.

Jan Philbrick (Lepine) said : Guest Report Mar 16, 2023 at 1:54 AM

Jan Philbrick (Lepine) I had the utmost privilege to have worked with Dr Sullivan from 1966 as staff nurse in the Hospital Newborn Nursery & then as a staff nurse with Dr. Levi , at Nashua Pediatrics , up till his retirement. He was my children’s Dr as well. I saw both sides of this wonderful man , both professionally & as a mother, through good times & tough times - sometimes sad , over the years . Never was there a more gentile , kind , caring Dr. & a true gentleman .A wonderful diagnostician . A mentor for so many of us . He will be forever remembered & has left a wonderful legacy for all whose lives he touched , in every way. May you rest in peace . My sincere sympathies to his wonderful family . God Bless .

The Weihrauch Family said : Guest Report Mar 15, 2023 at 12:13 AM

We are so sorry to hear of Dr. Sullivan's passing. He was our family pediatrician for so many years, caring for myself, my brother and sister. He was such a kind man. Rest easy friend.

Bill Schulze said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2023 at 11:21 AM

To the Sullivan Family, Your dad was the pediatrician for both my kids. They and my wife loved him. He was gentle doctor and a kind man. Please accept our condolences on behalf of your old friends from Spencer Drive & Browning Ave.

Ann and Don Parmenter said : Guest Report Mar 13, 2023 at 11:42 AM

To the Sullivan family, Our sincere sympathy on your dads passing. We first met him when he became our children's physician. We lived near your family off East Dunstable Rd and again at Ledgewood Hills. We moved into the Hunt Community and had the pleasure of playing Bridge with him. He was a wonderful man and will be, missed.

Ann and Don Parmenter said : Guest Report Mar 13, 2023 at 11:42 AM

To the Sullivan family, Our sincere sympathy on your dads passing. We first met him when he became our children's physician. We lived near your family off East Dunstable Rd and again at Ledgewood Hills. We moved into the Hunt Community and had the pleasure of playing Bridge with him. He was a wonderful man and will be, missed.

Ann and Don Parmenter said : Guest Report Mar 13, 2023 at 11:42 AM

To the Sullivan family, Our sincere sympathy on your dads passing. We first met him when he became our children's physician. We lived near your family off East Dunstable Rd and again at Ledgewood Hills. We moved into the Hunt Community and had the pleasure of playing Bridge with him. He was a wonderful man and will be, missed.

Ann and Don Parmenter said : Guest Report Mar 13, 2023 at 11:41 AM

To the Sullivan family, Our sincere sympathy on your dads passing. We first met him when he became our children's physician. We lived near your family off East Dunstable Rd and again at Ledgewood Hills. We moved into the Hunt Community and had the pleasure of playing Bridge with him. He was a wonderful man and will be, missed.

Joyceann Fitzgerald-Guill said : Guest Report Mar 12, 2023 at 4:30 PM

Our condolences to the entire Sullivan clan. Dr. Jim and I have been close family friends since my birth. I fondly remember our annual trip to camp and the great time we all shared. I remember Dr. Jim and Muriel's wedding and crafting with Muriel. When I got married they were there and when I became a new mom and felt my son was having an issue it was Jim who looked at him at camp and said he felt he might have a small hernia. He was spot on and our son had surgery at around 4 months. We always valued Jim's skill, kindness and know that he and Muriel are dancing in heaven. This true gentleman will be missed. His legacy lives on in the lives of his family. He was so proud of all of you. Carry on in your parents' memory. All our love and sympathy, Talley, Joyce and PJ Guill

Neal said : Guest Report Mar 12, 2023 at 1:12 AM

Dr Sullivan was my pediatrician, far longer than was reasonable I think I was 16. We just couldn't imagine going to someone else. I would often be the oldest kid in the waiting room. It truly was a highlight when me and my Dad made the Author Witty wall in the office of Nashua Pediatrics. I will always remember Dr Sullivan's kindness and how he talked to us kids not just the adults. We were lucky to have him look after us. Neal S.

Peggy Ghiloni said : Guest Report Mar 10, 2023 at 7:17 PM

Always felt blessed that Dr Sullivan was our sons’ pediatrician. He was gentle, kind, funny and a fabulous diagnostician. Our boys loved him. On more than one occasion he called our home to to check on how Brian or Ken was feeling if they were particularly ill. Dr Sullivan was loved and admired by our family.

Patricia Robertson (formerly Pitarys) said : Guest Report Mar 10, 2023 at 5:45 PM

My son Nick and I are so sad to hear of Dr. 'Sullivan's passing. He was our pediatrician from 1970-1986, and gave my son excellent care. He was a kind and compassionate man and doctor, and we are so grateful that he was our doctor. Our most sincere sympathy to the family. You were blessed to have him, and we were blessed to know him.

PEGGY & HUB SEWARD (also Ben, Karen, & Tim) said : Guest Report Mar 10, 2023 at 2:43 PM

I was working as a RN at Memorial Hospital Pediatric Floor when told I was pregnant with our first child. There was no doubt that I wanted Dr. Sullivan as our Pediatrician, as I saw every day how caring, gentle, and empathetic he was with each child and their parents. He cared for each regardless of disability or limitation and loved them as his own. When my oldest son ended up with sudden seizures, although off for the day, Dr. Sullivan came and stayed there with us for 10 hours until the treatment worked and diagnosis was confirmed. My youngest after birth needed care in Boston, and again Dr. Sullivan came in to coordinate care and transport even though it was his day off. Rest In Peace, Dr. Sullivan ….you were our HERO.

Rick Riviere said : Guest Report Mar 10, 2023 at 1:30 PM

My condolences to the Sullivan family. Your dad was a great man. I will never forget his sense of humor and knowledge of football. Go Pats!

Joanne said : Guest Report Mar 10, 2023 at 10:58 AM

Dr. Sullivan was the Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee at Hunt Community and I had the opportunity to work with him. He had a great sense of humor with stories that I think of often and with a smile. He will be missed but his dedication to the Scholarship Program will continue to help the employees for years to come.

Mark Constantian, MD said : Guest Report Mar 10, 2023 at 12:18 AM

Jim was one of the first senior, or more senior, physicians, who moment when I came to Nashua, 1978. He was always very kind to me, and was pediatrician for my children. I have great respect for what he did for Nashua, founding such an excellent group of pediatricians. I will miss him..

Eileen Broich said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 7:41 PM

We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing. I have heard numerous times what a kind and loving grandfather he was. He will be remembered for all of the lives he touched. Eileen and Ron Broich

Kelly Coleman said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 6:37 PM

Thank you for being my pediatrician 30+ years ago. Rest easy in paradise! My deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time

Tammy Smith said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 4:44 PM

Dr Sullivan, what can I say about Dr. Sullivan. First he was all of my kids pediatrician. My youngest son was diagnosed with SMA. Dr. Sullivan is the one who picked up on it and sent us to Boston Childrens for care. My son passed at 6 months old. Dr Sullivan new Dustin was too sick too be brought to the office so he made a house call, I thought who the hell makes house calls.Dr Sullivan does. More than once. I remember he saying he remembered where we live because we lived near Dairy Queen. So after our son passed and things settled down a bit I left him a hot fudge sundae at the office. Every time I have had a hot fudge sundae I think of him. It has been 26 years since my son has passed and will never ever forget what Dr Sullivan did for my family. May he rest in peace. With deepest sympathy, Marc & Tammy Smith (Dustin Smith)

Scott & Cheryl Clement said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 3:35 PM

My husband and I met Dr. Sullivan when we worked with his daughter Catherine at Market Basket on Daniel Webster highway back in the early 80's and later he became our children's pediatrician. He was such a wonderful, caring and compassionate man. Always went above and beyond. Our condolences to his family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Patti (Arnold) Gray said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 1:39 PM

I had the privilege of working at Nashua Pediatrics as their lab tech for almost 5 years. Dr. Sullivan was just a beautiful human being. I credit my pediatric phlebotomy skills, among others, to his teachings. I was just thinking about him the other day. My sympathy to the whole family and may he rest in peace.

Ann Maitland said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 11:17 AM

Dr. Sullivan was the Pediatrician to my children right from birth. He was a wonderful, kind, and gentle man who was also an excellent diagnostician. He was great with the children under any and all circumstances. My husband and I felt lucky to have had him for their Dr. I also had his son, Tim, at new Searles school and he was a a delight to teach and have in my class. My heart goes out to the family for your loss. Your Dad was a very special man, indeed. With sincere condolences, Ann Maitland

Donna Collette said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 10:47 AM

I was so fortunate to work with Dr. Sullivan at Nashua Pediatrics for 25 years and the last 5 years as his private nurse. He was caring and considerate gentleman. No matter how busy we were at Nashua Pediatrics he always came to find me at the end of the day to say, Thank you Donna! Thank you for your help today. I will miss him, and special condolences to his family.

Laurel Lomanno said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 9:28 AM

My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Sullivan. He was a very caring doctor and part of an incredible medical group. Starting in the late 70’s when we moved to New Hampshire, he and his colleagues took wonderful care of our three children. Thank you so much. Rest In Peace Dr. Sullivan.

Becky Pockl said : Guest Report Mar 09, 2023 at 12:04 AM

Dr Sullivan was a smart, very kind forward thinking man and doctor. He helped me be a better person and nurse. He never made a mother feel silly for worrying about her child. I am so grateful to have learned from him both knowledge and life lessons. Hugs to his family. ❤

Don Levi, MD said : Guest Report Mar 08, 2023 at 11:02 PM

I was privileged to work with Jim for most of my career; and honored to be a family friend. I will miss him. My condolences to this special family.

Livia Flood said : Guest Report Mar 08, 2023 at 9:37 PM

He took care of my newborn daughter when she was born in 1975. He was a very nice man and a great physician.

Mr&MrsRobert Hebert said : Guest Report Mar 08, 2023 at 8:44 PM

Know family is in our thoughts & prayers in this time of great loss. Heaven has gained another angel

Patty Anne said : Guest Report Mar 08, 2023 at 5:52 PM

Our family was so fortunate to have him. His kindness and compassion combined with a quick wit and a great sense of humor.

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