Kevin Gerrard Sullivan

With great love and great sadness, we share that Kevin Gerrard Sullivan passed away Feb. 23, 2025, at Princess Gardens in Peterborough, Ont. He was a kind and gracious man, deeply rooted in both his faith and his family.
Kevin was born April 26, 1949 in Peterborough - the son of the late Joe and Frances Sullivan. He grew up on a 300-acre farm in Otonabee Township, and that was why he always identified himself first as a farm boy.  He was close to his four brothers — Mike (Ann Fitzgerald), Terry (Judi), Paul (Ann), and Pat (Jeanne Simpson) — and to his sister, Mary Sullivan-Tate (Ken Tate). It should also be noted that all five siblings shared his love of the Toronto Maple Leafs!
Kevin married Michelle Sullivan, his high school sweetheart, on August 31, 1973 and their  life together began with great adventure. After Kevin completed his bachelor’s and then master’s in social work, he and Michelle then travelled widely, and even lived and worked in Australia for almost two years.  
Kevin’s belief in the importance of families (and children) led to his over 40-year career in social work. Whether working with children or with their parents who were struggling, with co-workers who were striking or with academics who were further studying the effects of trauma on children, he had complete belief in the resiliency of children and in people’s ability to overcome life’s challenges. During his career, he had a major impact on the lives of many children and families through his leadership in Ontario’s Ministry of Community and Social Services, Children’s Aid services and finally at Therapeutic Foster Care. His legacy there will live on.  
Kevin found his joy in simple ways: joking about the latest Leafs’ win (or loss!), his ever-increasing coin collection and local antiques from around Peterborough with trips to antique shows and flea markets on Sunday afternoons,  reading his paper while ‘resting’ his eyes, gardening (including growing peach tree far too north), working with his brother Mike at the farm, playing in ‘Wimpleton’ tournaments (our family’s annual badminton tournament), camping, canoeing with Michelle, planning big Sunday night family dinners, playing squash at the YMCA and of course his love of family history. 
Kevin was predeceased by his wife and love of his life, Michelle. Their devotion to each other over 50 years of marriage inspires everyone who knew them. Their life together was rooted completely in their faith, focusing on family and service to others. Hours spent canoeing together, going to their cabin, and their visits to the Farmer’s Market brought them both much joy. Kevin was always quieter while Michelle was more effusive in her kindness. They were a perfect match! 
Kevin was incredibly proud of his four children, and he loved and supported them unconditionally: Sarah Sullivan-Berardi (Anthony Berardi), Paddy Sullivan (Justine Lywood), Maggie Lamarche (Jeremy Lamarche) and Martha Sullivan (Lee Castiglione). The same was true for all 11 of his grandchildren: Emily, Ella, Sam, Nate, Abe, Violet, Cordelia, Ollie, Frances, Joseph and Desmond. Their Grandfather was a pillar in their lives.

With Dad in your corner you could do most anything. He would let you go have your successes or battles but know you could always return to him for advice, unconditional support and quiet care. Their Grandfather and Father was a pillar in their lives.
After Kevin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he did not wage war. He accepted its arrival with great grace, just as he accepted the journey that the disease required of him both mentally and physically. The journey, of course, was a hard one: his independence was gradually taken away, he found himself confined to a wheelchair, his tremor came (together with an excuse to eat more pizza!) and then his vocal cords weakened more and more. Through all of this, though, he chose to competitively pray with his grandchildren after grace,  tried to remember every care provider’s name, and also inquiring genuinely how others were doing while minimizing his own struggles.  
This journey became even more challenging after Michelle’s passing. Kevin’s family would like to extend their immense gratitude to everyone who tried to fill her unfillable shoes. The kind care providers at Princess Gardens who called him ‘Kev’ and were always willing to ‘dance’ made such a difference as did the regular visitors brought him updates he could share with others. Finally, the team at Hospice Peterborough have made the end of this journey with Parkinson’s much kinder both to Kevin and the entire family. 
Kevin will also be deeply missed by his extended family, friends and neighbours for whom he also played a meaningful and special role. During his life, he was able to make real and special connections with many, many people. 
Visitation will be at HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Rd, Peterborough on Wednesday February 26, 2025 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held at ST. ANNE`S ROMAN CATHOILC CHURCH 859 Barnardo Ave . Peterborough Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11:30am with Fr. Sanyatson Seshaiahand  officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Douro, Ontario and then a reception to follow at Highland Park. Donations: The family welcomes donations to the YMCA Strong Communities Campaign as an expression of sympathy and in Kevin’s belief in children and families. Online condolences may be made at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com