Joan N. Sullivan; 1930 – 2025. Joan N. Sullivan passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 69 years, Gerard "Jerry" Sullivan.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Joan graduated from the Tobé-Coburn School for Fashion Careers and was employed by Lord & Taylor as a product buyer. She met her future husband in 1947 at The Bungalows at Breezy Point in Rockaway, NY where he was head lifeguard.
He went on to serve as a New York harbor pilot for over 40 years. Joan married Jerry in 1953 at Floyd Bennett Field. Together, they built a loving home in Garden City, New York, where they raised their family before moving to Bradenton, Florida. Joan and Jerry cherished their time together, especially traveling on with friends and family-creating memories that spanned decades and oceans. Joan is survived by her three devoted children: Gerard J. "Rod" Sullivan, Jr., Douglas E. Sullivan, and Gail Unger. She was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren: Garrett Unger, Taylor Williams, Lindsay Flanagan, Brendan Sullivan, Jacqueline Sundell, Amanda Sullivan and Rachael Sullivan; and a joyful great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at a later date at Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Catholic Church. 2850 75th Street West Bradenton, FL 34209. In lieu of flowers, family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Joan's preferred charity: Catholic Charities Foundation of the Diocese of Venice Inc, 1000 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34285.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
