Owen Richard Sullivan

Owen Richard Sullivan, 93, of Kill Devil Hills, NC, formerly of Shrub Oak and Garrison, NY, passed away April 23, 2026, at ECU Medical Center in Greenville, NC. He was born on January 11, 1933, to the late Owen J. and Bertha Sullivan. He was also preceded in death by his younger brother, Donald Sullivan.

Owen graduated from Peekskill High School in 1950 and Westchester Community College in 1952. He also did a tour in the US Naval Reserves during that time. He worked in the nuclear industry for over 40 years, from nuclear fuels research to decommissioning and finally in commercial nuclear power generation, retiring from the New York Power Authority at Indian Point, NY, in 1995.

Owen was enthusiastic about his family, gardening, boating, fishing, and anything involving water. Boating was a family affair, and all of us continue his love of boating. He was also a long-time member of the Garrison Yacht Club. He retired to the Outer Banks of NC to be surrounded by water and pursue his interests.

He was extremely mechanically and technically skilled, always working on some project, large or small. He could repair anything, took pride in his many projects, and invented practical solutions to complex problems. A skill he passed on to his children, as one or more of us were always by his side, not realizing what he was teaching us. He was also an avid reader, devouring books, and could not leave a crossword puzzle uncompleted. He was the master of dad jokes and had an infectious sense of humor.

Surviving Owen is his wife of 73 years, Carmella LaSorsa Sullivan; and his children, Owen (Zshawn), Kathleen Pratt (Bob), Brian, Diane (Dennis Connelly), and Stephen (Aimee). Also surviving are ten grandchildren: Kaitlin, Evan, Dillon Pratt, Olivia Pratt, Mark, Allison, Vanessa Petersen, Lorae Wegner, Gabrielle, Colin, and one great-grandchild, Maeve Petersen.

We are all grateful to have had him in our lives for so long. A celebration of life is planned for a future date. Please share expressions of sympathy with the family on-line at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.