Allen A Sullivan

Allen Alphonso Sullivan, a devoted husband, father, pop pop, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 69 while surrounded by his wife and his three daughters—just like he would have wanted. To know Allen is to love, admire, and appreciate him. Allen thought of others more than he thought of himself. He was a giver. He gave his heart, he gave his time, he gave his attention, and he gave his compassion to his family, first and foremost, but also to everyone with whom he crossed paths, whether it was a cashier at a grocery store, a waitress at his local diner, or anyone in between.

In return, Allen was blessed with a family and a treasure trove of friends who adored him. In life you come across people with whom you have relationships that come and go, but through his warm heart and soft eyes, Allen formed relationships that were unique and meaningful, and that withstood the test of time. He accomplished this by showing up for people, whenever and wherever he felt he was needed, by picking up the phone and making the calls that most people think of until life gets in the way, by devoting his life to acts of service for others, and by always being available to others with a helping hand, a warm smile, a healing hug, and a willing ear. He was singularly special.

Allen had a unique gift to connect with people, to care about people as if they were family, and to make people feel loved, acknowledged, and heard. He lived his life with open arms, eager to bring as many people as possible into his circle. Allen’s life was a masterpiece of joy, love, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate the indelible mark he has left on us. His memory will be revered and his life celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Allen worked many jobs during his lifetime, including as a construction worker, a limousine driver, and even a disc jockey. He had a great love for music, listening to anything and everything, but especially his favorite band, Earth Wind & Fire. Allen loved to serve at any church he attended by operating the sound equipment. For Allen, it was Music and God—a win-win. With a big servant’s heart, Allen served God by always serving in church ministry, but quietly on his own, Allen would pray for anyone in his circle who needed it.

Though he battled pain and illnesses in the last years of his life, his heart and mind were always on someone else. He reached out to family and friends with a call just because, and as if his own family wasn't big enough, he always inducted people into it because his heart was big enough. He loved life and any part he could play in it.

Allen leaves behind his beloved wife, Carmen, who has been the love of his life for more than 47 years, his three beautiful and cherished daughters, Veronica Sullivan, Nicole Malc, and Bethany Fils, who were the engine to his heart, his two grateful and fortunate sons-in-law, Ryan Malc and Mena Fils, and his loving grandchildren, Kadence, Zoey, Journey, and Aria, who each lit a spark in their pop pop’s life that carried him through the physically challenging years that preceded his passing. Allen's parents, Windell and Isita Sullivan, came to the United States from St. Thomas. They had 13 children. Allen was the fifth child and is survived by Doris Robinson, Jeanette Sullivan, Jean Sullivan, Lionel Sullivan, Alice Staten- Sullivan, Marva Sullivan, and Justin Sullivan. Allen also had countless cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In addition to those family members who have survived him, through his life’s work, Allen leaves behind a blueprint for how to treat people, how to love people, and how to live a more open and welcoming life. We would all benefit by aspiring to be a little more like Allen. Allen’s legacy will live on through his children and his grandchildren, on whom he left an enduring mark that will never be forgotten.

Allen cared deeply about the 3 Fs: Family, Friends, and Faith, and he pursued them all with honorable passion.

A visitation for Allen will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753, which will include a service beginning at approximately 1:00 PM.