Donald W. “Pete” Sullivan, 86, of Stafford County left the bonds of earthly life to be with our Lord on Monday, February 18, 2019.
Pete was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a lifetime member of American Legion Post 55. After his time in service, he spent 30 years as a pipefitter before retiring from NSWC Dahlgren. Still not content to be idle, he began another chapter of his life working 31 years for the Fredericksburg Auto Auction before finally hanging up his hat at the end of 2018.
Pete grew up in the United Methodist Church and spent his whole life in just two congregations, Fredericksburg United Methodist and New Hope United Methodist. He proudly served as an usher, a member of the choir, on numerous committees, and as a member of the United Methodist Men’s group.
Pete coached youth baseball and football when his son, Wayne, was young, even taking a team to the local championship game one year.
Pete had a passion for the land and as such was an avid gardener. He and Frances spent many years planting, growing, picking, and canning. Fresh food was always in abundance.
Pete’s greatest love in life was his family. Those who are left not to mourn but to celebrate the joy that Pete brought to life are his wife of almost 67 years, Frances J. Sullivan; daughter Donna Marino (Tony); son Wayne Sullivan (Stephanie); grandchildren Jeffrey Newton Jr. (Stephanie), Timothy Sullivan (Catherine), Lauren Sullivan (Skylar), and LeeAnn Sullivan (Cassie); and great-granddaughters Gracelynn Newton, Ainsley Newton and Mackenzie Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Welford and Maggie Sullivan; brother Welford Sullivan Jr.; and sisters Margaret Marshall, Louise Pulliam, and Vernell Carnohan.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 22 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.
A service will be held at noon on Saturday, February 23 at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Newton Jr., Timothy Sullivan, Tony Marino, Paul Jett, Charles Jett, and Pollard Hall.
Following the interment, a reception will be held at Hollywood Church of the Brethren, 225 Ferry Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22405.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, 164 New Hope Church Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22405, or Hollywood Church of the Brethren, 225 Ferry Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22405.