Obituary for John Leonard O'Sullivan
O'SULLIVAN, JOHN L.
Of Medfield, passed away peacefully on Jan. 31, 2023, at age 80. Born and raised in Queens, New York, John was the son of the late John and Emily (Straub) O'Sullivan. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife, Barbara.
As a young man, John served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He and Barbara were married in 1968. Eight years later, they settled in Medfield, where they raised four sons. John found his greatest joy in spending time with family and friends and contributing to his community. As a Little League and basketball coach for each of his sons, he became a mentor and role model to dozens of young people while also forming cherished friendships with many parents. In retirement, he made a similar impact on youth as a volunteer at the Home for Little Wanderers in Walpole.
John was his sons’ biggest fan, taking great pride in their families, careers and personal pursuits. He enjoyed bringing people together at holiday parties and other gatherings and was endlessly curious about the latest happenings in others’ lives. In his later years, he embraced the arrival of 10 grandchildren into his life.
John is survived by his brother Dan and sister-in-law Jane, son Dan and daughter-in-law Paula, son Chris and daughter-in-law Lisa, son Rob and daughter-in-law Shannan, son Mark and daughter-in-law Nicole and grandchildren Aidan, Jack, Claire, Cailyn, Greta, Finley, Maddox, Lucas, Madison and Taylor.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Feb. 3 at St. Edward Parish (133 Spring St., Medfield). To leave an online remembrance, visit www.robertsmitchellcaruso.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in John’s memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.
Of Medfield, passed away peacefully on Jan. 31, 2023, at age 80. Born and raised in Queens, New York, John was the son of the late John and Emily (Straub) O'Sullivan. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife, Barbara.
As a young man, John served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He and Barbara were married in 1968. Eight years later, they settled in Medfield, where they raised four sons. John found his greatest joy in spending time with family and friends and contributing to his community. As a Little League and basketball coach for each of his sons, he became a mentor and role model to dozens of young people while also forming cherished friendships with many parents. In retirement, he made a similar impact on youth as a volunteer at the Home for Little Wanderers in Walpole.
John was his sons’ biggest fan, taking great pride in their families, careers and personal pursuits. He enjoyed bringing people together at holiday parties and other gatherings and was endlessly curious about the latest happenings in others’ lives. In his later years, he embraced the arrival of 10 grandchildren into his life.
John is survived by his brother Dan and sister-in-law Jane, son Dan and daughter-in-law Paula, son Chris and daughter-in-law Lisa, son Rob and daughter-in-law Shannan, son Mark and daughter-in-law Nicole and grandchildren Aidan, Jack, Claire, Cailyn, Greta, Finley, Maddox, Lucas, Madison and Taylor.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Feb. 3 at St. Edward Parish (133 Spring St., Medfield). To leave an online remembrance, visit www.robertsmitchellcaruso.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in John’s memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.