Michael T. Sullivan
- Sep 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 5, 2025
1941 - 2025
OBITUARY
Michael T. Sullivan, retired NYPD 1st Grade Detective, passed away on September 1, 2025, at the age of 84.
Michael was born June 5, 1941, in New York, the second child of Michael J. and Abina (nee Sexton) Sullivan. Raised in Sunnyside NY, he attended St Theresa’s RC grammar school, Holy Cross High School and St. John’s University, where he obtained a B.S. Ed in Social Science. Upon graduation he served in the US Marine Corps, followed by a short time as a mathematics teacher at JHS 125 in Woodside.
In 1967, he entered the New York City Police Department, where he served with distinction in various details, including Public Morals, Sex Crimes and Internal Affairs. After 33 years “on the job” and having never taken a sick day, he “packed it in” in May 2000, as a First Grade Detective assigned to the 106 Squad. After retirement he spent ten years in corporate security, before finally retiring to “putz” around in his garage.
In October 1965, he married Joan (nee Sullivan) and settled in Elmhurst, Queens, where they were active parishioners of St. Bartholomew’s RC Church. In 1991, they moved with their seven (7) children to the Village of Floral Park.
Michael is survived by his seven children, Michael S. (Jennifer), Joan LaBrec (Lawrence), Maureen, Kelly Ferguson (Patrick), John (Claudia), Eileen Micyk (Henry), Meghan Zucks (Corey) and 13 grandchildren, Brian, Matthew, Connor, Brendan, Henry, James, Hannah, Abigail, Thomas, Charlotte, Harper, Maeve, and Owen. In addition, his sister-in-law Maureen (BJ) Leddy, numerous nieces and nephews, and many cousins, with whom he shared a close bond. He was predeceased by his wife Joan, his sister Mary Cartwright, and his parents.
Often Michael would work multiple jobs to support his family, but he was always around for coaching, driving the station wagon to games, or loudly yelling “get the lead out” from the sidelines. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and knew where to find the Irish music on the radio 7 days a week and would smile from “ear to ear” as he strode up 5th Avenue every St. Patrick’s Day with the NYPD, seemingly knowing every police officer along the way. His “midnight tours” of NYC for all the Irish cousins, which went into areas “you don’t want to get caught dead in” were legendary. He enjoyed growing tomatoes, creating lawn ornaments and enjoying a cold adult beverage while barking at the NY Mets season after season. His parting words, aka “Dad-isms” varied but generally were “be careful”, “stay out of trouble” or “behave yourself” and always concluded with “God Bless”.
God Bless, Dad
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org).
VISITATION
Friday, September 5
2:00 - 4:00 PM & 7:00 - 9:00 PM
New Hyde Park Funeral Home
506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, September 6
9:15 AM
Our Lady of Victory R.C. Church
2 Floral Parkway, Floral Park, NY
LIVE STREAM
INTERMENT
St. Raymond's Cemetery
2600 Lafayette Avenue, The Bronx, NY
My deepest sympathy to all the family on the very sad passing of your Dad. Also, to the extended families, and Maureen BJ & family. May he rest in eternal peace.
Sean O'Sullivan Milleenahorna Caheragh
Sincere sympathy to you all on the very sad passing of your Dad. Also to the extended families and to Maureen BJ & families at this sad and difficult time. Treasured memories of their visits to West Cork. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
Con (Milleenahorna) Eileen O'Sullivan & family Scarteenakillin Ballydehob Co Cork
The Sexton family loved Michael. His visits growing up were always looked forward to. We were all so proud of being the 1st to go to college & then the Marines. He leaves a beautiful legacy & great family which he was so proud. His funeral today was beautiful.
He was a great man and an awesome co-worker.
Deepest condolences and prayers to Kelly and the entire family.