Francis L. Sullivan
1922-2011
WEST SPRINGFIELD-Francis L. Sullivan, 89, died Monday at the Soldier's Home in Holyoke. He was born in Springfield, son of the late Francis and Selma Sullivan. He grew up in West Springfield and graduated from the local schools. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force and enrolled in Cadet School. He was a WWII fighter pilot with the 357th fighter group known as the Yoxford Boys. He went into the war on D-Day and continued until the war ended. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial combat and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters for individual acts of heroism in aerial combat. He joined the National Guard in the 104th tactical fighter unit as a fighter pilot and squadron commander. During a period of national emergency, precipitated by the Berlin Crisis in 1961, he spent the year overseas flying missions. He retired from the guard in 1965. He owned and operated Sullivan Auto in West Springfield for 25 years. He also coached youth soccer in West Springfield for many years and was an avid local golfer. He was predeceased by his wife Marjorie (Whitaker) Sullivan. He leaves a son Dennis Sullivan and his wife Eileen of Westfield, a daughter Bonnie Geromini and her husband Ken of Hampden, a sister Helen Robbins of Agawam, a brother-in-law Cleland Stephens of West Springfield, four grandchildren, Dr. Matthew Sullivan of Boston, Michael Sullivan of Boston, Jason Geromini of Springfield and Corinne Miller and five great grandchildren. The calling hours will be Thursday at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home from 4-7 pm. Committal services will be private at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American International College Veterans Resource Center, AIC Alumni Office, 1000 State Street, Springfield, MA. For online condolences please visit curranjones.com.