Obituary of John Sullivan

John Sheehan Sullivan, 88, of Binghamton, NY died peacefully at home on Friday, October 31, 2025 in the loving arms of his three children and former wife, Priscilla. John was born into a large Irish Catholic family on October 8,1937. He was very proud of his heritage and frequently reminded people he was Irish, even as he neared his final days. He grew up on the North Side of Binghamton where he attended St. Paul's Catholic School. He received a bachelor's degree from SUNY Fredonia and attended the University of Buffalo. John is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Mary (Sheehan) Sullivan; his brother, James "Jimmy" Sullivan; his sister, Kathleen Stiles; his sisters-in-law, Judith Sullivan and Sally Sullivan; his cousin-in-law and dear friend John Wowk and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his three children: Jennifer Ewanow, Conklin (Mike Codington), (Ted Ewanow, Kirkwood); Lisa Setzer (Eric), Raleigh, NC; and Timothy Sullivan, Conklin; his five grandchildren who he adored: Corey Ewanow, Syracuse; Alex Ewanow, Binghamton; Ryan Ewanow, Conklin, John Patrick "JP" Setzer and Catherine Setzer, both of Raleigh, NC; his former wife, Priscilla Sullivan, Conklin; his brother, Walter "Buddy" Sullivan, Havertown, PA; his brother-in-law, Brian Stiles, Binghamton; his cousins, Dennis Sheehan (Tess) and Mary Ellen Wowk, both of Binghamton; his niece Janine Sullivan (Gene Getz), Easton, MD with whom he shared a very special bond; and many cherished nephews, nieces and cousins and extended family. John was a schoolteacher for 34 years. Early in his career he taught in Buffalo, Miami, Endicott and Windsor. His final 27 years were spent at Susquehanna Valley teaching almost exclusively 6th grade. John was known for his non-traditional teaching style and for treating all his students with compassion and respect. He believed all children needed someone to care for them and meet them on their level. He had a positive impact on hundreds of students, including his future son-in-law, Ted. John was an avid reader and writer with an impressive library of books and countless writings including journals of his grandchildren's childhoods, various pieces he wrote for the local paper, his educational manual, "The Basics" and his book, "Keys to Kindergarten." He enjoyed traveling, especially with family. He made many trips to Raleigh, North Carolina and he thoroughly enjoyed the 18 summers when he spent a week surrounded by his children and grandchildren in Bethany Beach, Delaware. One of John's other favorite past times was having cocktails and dinner with family and friends. While living on the West Side he was a loyal patron of The Beef where he made many friends over the years. John was also an avid walker his whole life and took great joy in his daily walks with his favorite four-legged buddy, Tyson, who he deeply missed after his passing in 2023. John's children and grandchildren were his whole world. The birth of his first grandchild led to his retirement in 1997 so he could dedicate all of his time to caring for and nurturing his grandchildren. Nothing brought him greater joy than being on "Grandpa Duty." He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather and he will be dearly missed. John and his family are eternally grateful to all of those who walked beside us, providing loving and compassionate care as his dementia progressed. We would like to extend our heart felt gratitude to his home health care aides, Debbie and Oxana; his social worker companion, Ali who he was especially fond of; Dr. Mikloucich and his staff at Guthrie Johnson City Senior Care, and Eric Phelan, UHS Endwell. In his final days he also received exceptional care and support from Lourdes Hospice, especially his nurse, Colleen; his grandsons' partners, Ruth Yingling and Katherine Nelson; and Jan Ewanow who was a guiding light and pillar of strength to all of us in John's final days. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Paul's Church, Chenango Street, Binghamton, Saturday November 8, 2025 at 10 a.m. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Friday from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Broome County Humane Society, Lourdes Hospice, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or a local food pantry.