Daniel Francis Sullivan

Daniel Francis Sullivan, 97, of Pembroke, MA, passed away with family at his side on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Tufts Medical Center, Boston after a brief illness. Born December 6, 1928, he was the fifth of nine children of Daniel and Mammie Sullivan.

Dan was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and served from March 1951 to March 1953 as a locomotive electrician, repairing switches, generators and rail cars. After his service he returned to the Boston area and built a life centered on hard work, family and community.

He met his beloved wife, Jessie (Petrie), during a night out at Kilgriff’s—“Canada Night” the dance hall where his siblings worked and often gathered. They married and in 1965 welcomed their son, Daniel.

Dan made his living for many years as a bartender in South Boston and Dedham, where he was known as a steady, dependable worker and a friend to staff and patrons alike.

After Jessie’s sudden passing in 1990, Dan opened his home on Valley Street to his son and daughter in law, Carolyn Cleary, and embraced family life as it grew. A devoted family man, Dan delighted in his grandchildren—Jake, Daniel, Jessie and Jade—and recently celebrated the birth of his great grandson, also named Daniel, who brought new joy to his later years. Known affectionately as “Uncle Danny” or “Big Dan” by extended family, he was the last of his generation and continued to receive the love and attention of nieces, nephews and friends through his 90s.

Dan was an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Pembroke for many years, managing the K of C hall until age 96 and volunteered in service and fellowship. He was a familiar presence at the Pembroke Community Center—walking a mile most days—and found a spiritual home at Holy Family Church in Duxbury after St. Thecla’s closing. He loved to tell stories, make people laugh, and was admired for his kindness, resilience and zest for life.

He is survived by his son, Daniel Sullivan, and daughter in law, Carolyn F. Cleary; grandchildren Jake, Daniel, Jessie and Jade; and great grandson Daniel. He was preceded in death by his wife Jessie (Petrie) Sullivan, and his parents and siblings: Marie (Healy), Helene (Burchell), Jack, Jimmy, Rita (Thibodeau), Patsy, Claire (Dalton) and Bobby.

Visiting hours will be held at the Sullivan Funeral Homes, 551 Washington Street, Route 53, Hanover, on June 1, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont Street, Duxbury, on Tuesday, June 2, at 10:00 AM. Burial to follow at Pembroke Center Cemetery. Services will be live streamed on the church's website www.holyfamilyduxbury.org for those unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Friends of the Community Center, 100 Center St., Pembroke, MA 02359.