Michael T. Sullivan

1941 - 2025

OBITUARY

Michael T. Sullivan, retired NYPD 1^st 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 5^th 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

INTERMENT

St. Raymond's Cemetery

2600 Lafayette Avenue, The Bronx, NY