Eugene J. & Irene Lazzaro Sullivan Fund

Both Gene and Irene were the children of first generation immigrants to Wakefield: Gene’s parents from Ireland and Irene’s parents from Italy. They were both from large families and education was a great part of their lives. Gene Sullivan graduated from Wakefield High in 1917 and attended Boston College and Harvard Law School. While a student at Harvard, he taught English to boys at The Shirley Home for Boys in Shirley, MA. Upon graduating from Harvard, Gene set up practice in Wakefield. Later he hired Irene Lazzaro as his secretary and they eventually married and raised three children in Wakefield. Gene was an active member of the community as a Selectman, Postmaster, and founder of the Recreation Commission. In honor of his work with the children of this town, a park was named in his honor in the Montrose section. He was a noted orator and won the Fulton Society gold medal for Debating at BC. Because of this, he was often called upon to be the speaker at important town events.

Irene attended Wakefield schools and was later the Secretary to Dr. Lucian Collucci, Superintendent of Schools.

As time went on, Gene and Irene taught their children to give back to the community. As a result, their son, Gene Jr., was also a Selectman, member of many boards and Assistant Manager of the Municipal Light Department. Martha Philbrick taught for over thirty years in Wakefield Schools and serves on the board of the Hartshorne House. Ann Payzant was Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for many years.

Eventually, Gene passed away in 1966 at the age of 69. Irene continued her dedication to her family and her work with the School Department. Upon her retirement, she became an active member of CSF and spent many hours as a member of the screening committee for recipients of the many scholarships. She lived a long and full life, passing away in 2010 at the age of 98… always a true lady.

What more fitting a tribute could there be than to have a scholarship in their names to be given to a deserving Wakefield student to follow in their tradition of education and community involvement. It is with great pride that we dedicate this scholarship in their names.