James J. O'Sullivan

James J. O’Sullivan, 82, formerly of Seaford, New York. Died peacefully in his sleep on July 24, 2022. Survived by his wife Anne O’Sullivan and his three children. Sean and his wife Madeline of New Paltz, NY, Jennifer and her husband Jeffrey Blaskiewicz of Sayville, NY and Tara and her husband Stephen McCarthy of Milton, MA. He leaves behind seven precious grandchildren- Hannah , Fiona, Sarah, Liam, James, Niamh, and Veronica. James will be missed by his sister Mary Ellen Williamson of West Hempstead, his five nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews. Jim retired as a Lieutenant from the NYPD and lived a beautiful life traveling the world with Annie.  They were devoted snowbirds splitting their time between Seaford, New York and Naples, Florida. His life was filled with faith, love and family.

Visitation- Tuesday July 26, 2022 from 2-4:30 & 7-9:30 p.m. at our West Sayville Funeral Home, 245 Montauk Hwy.

Funeral Mass- Wednesday July 27, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at St. William the Abbot R.C. Church, Seaford

Cremation Private

Dear Colleague,
 
It is with heavy heart that we must inform you of the passing of James J. O'Sullivan, husband of Anne O'Sullivan  - who taught Mathematics at the High School throughout her career in Wantagh.   Jim was a good, dedicated family man,  a gregarious, ebullient and solicitous host and, after a dedicated career serving the community, retired as a Lieutenant in the New York City Police Department.   
 
Those who were friends with Anne were automatically friends with Jim.  Enter their home for any reason and a warm welcome was most assuredly afforded you .... followed effortlessly by the desire to bring you any type of food or drink that might please you.  Their home was  full of positive energy and warm concern for each other and for the welfare of any and all who entered.  As I look back upon those days, I feel privileged to have born witness to the internal dynamics therein. 
 
                                         Lessons Learned at the Kitchen Table:
 
Little did I know that, upon agreeing to tutor the O'Sullivan children for the Chemistry Regents, that a welcoming world of FUTURE encounters at the kitchen table would automatically follow.  Yes!  Years later ...when I entered ....I would ceremoniously be directed to "my" ceremonial seat at the table!!
 
But I learned FAR more lessons around that table than THEY did!  For  I learned that some families continue to wait until everyone is there before they will eat.  I found out that learning how to treat people and how to resolve the difficulties of the day...... all occur when a family feels safe enough to pass the difficulties....and joys!....of the day.... back and forth across that table.  And, each time I see or hear of the lives each of the O'Sullivan children have successfully established for THEIR children... it only proves to me....again and again... that the REAL lessons of life really ARE learned...................... AROUND THE KITCHEN TABLE!
 
I am always amazed, and greatly appreciate, how kind and solicitous the husbands of my friends are to me.   But Jim O'Sullivan and I had a "bond" ..... unknown by me until the tutoring sessions .... that we grew up in the same neighborhood in Queens!   My family was ALSO a NYPD family and we, too, gathered around the table and shared our day with each other.  His family, and mine, were precursors to the infamous "Blue Blood"  family Sunday dinners!