John James Sullivan, Jr. Fund

John James “Sully” Sullivan, Jr. passed away from cancer due to a nerve-sheath tumor from Neurofibromatosis.

While growing up in Wakefield, John played town sports including soccer, WBA, Biddy Basketball, and baseball, and he delivered the Wakefield Daily Item and sold the Boston Globe at Daddy’s Donuts on Sundays. During the summers of high school and college, he worked at the YMCA Sandy Island Camp on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire John attended Montrose School, Galvin Junior High and graduated from Wakefield High in 1992 where he played soccer, ran track and participated in many extracurricular activities. He graduated from Bentley College in Waltham in 1996 with a degree in Finance. Upon graduation, John worked for State Street Bank in Boston/Quincy then moved to California in 2003 where he was a Senior Project Manager for Pacific Life Insurance Company in Newport Beach.

John had Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder of the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves in or on the body. NF started to affect John’s physical capabilities in his early twenties and it progressed throughout his life. Despite the challenges that this disorder caused John, he was known for his positive outlook on life and his incredible perseverance. John participated in marathons and other walk/run fundraisers to help raise NF awareness. Joining these teams was John’s way of overcoming limitations from NF and pushing himself beyond perceived capabilities. John led by example, never asking others to do what he wouldn’t do himself.

Despite his hardships, nothing could stop John from doing what he loved to do such as: cooking, photography, skiing, golfing, traveling, camping, hiking, biking, mountain climbing and snorkeling. Yes, John did all these things throughout his life, but he did them with limitations and pain. Neurofibromatosis might have slowed him down, but it didn’t stop him.

John was a compassionate person who had a huge heart. In John’s own words: “I tried to live as normal as I could within the confines that my NF placed around me. I traveled, hiked, lived in cool places, and met great people. I accomplished what I could. I left some things on the table, but do not have many regrets. I found joy, love, peace and clarity. People have told me that I inspired them with my strength, courage and perseverance. I was just trying to do the best I could, living within my limitations. However, If someone can still find inspiration in me, find their own strength to accomplish a goal; I will certainly be happy with that.”

In keeping with John’s wishes to give inspiration and to keep his memory alive his family, from John’s estate, established this scholarship in John’s name. They feel that when John’s story of overcoming his disabilities with courage and strength is shared each year, he will be remembered, and with that, they hope it will help inspire the scholarship recipient to face college with a positive attitude and persevere through the tough challenges that are ahead.