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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.

Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.
Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.
Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.