Joseph R. Sullivan

May 20, 1947 - October 30, 2020

Joseph R. Sullivan, 73, of Townsend, died Friday morning, October 30, 2020, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born in Boston, on May 20, 1947, a son of the late Dr. John F. and his wife Margaret (Carr) Sullivan. At the age of 19, Joe started his military career in the United States Marine Corps, where he served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He then joined the Army Reserve Guard and served 26 years and retired as a Master Sargent. Following his retirement Joe worked for 15 years for the Department of Defense at range control in Devens. He was a volunteer with the American Red Cross as a member of the disaster team, DAT. He also worked as a security guard during the holidays, protecting Santa Claus at the local mall. Joe has resided in Townsend for the past 39 years. During that time he was active in town sports as a coach in the Pop Warner football program for 10 seasons. He then helped out with the football programs at both North Middlesex Regional and Nashoba Valley Regional High Schools. He leaves his wife of 48 years, Pauline J. (Harkin) Sullivan of Townsend, two sons, Jay C. Sullivan of Portsmouth, NH and Mark Sullivan of Millbury; a granddaughter, Kaycee Elizabeth Sullivan, nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by a son, Douglas C. Sullivan who died in 2001 and a sister Kathleen M. Sullivan. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at 11AM in the T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 250 Main St., Townsend. Burial with military honors will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. A visitation period will be held prior to the funeral on Tuesday morning from 10 to 11 AM. Social distancing guidelines will be practiced and face coverings required for all services. For further information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.anderonfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Nashoba Nursing and Hospice, 3 Patterson Rd, Shirley, MA 01464