Patricia Ann Sullivan

Patti was born on October 27, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, to Catherine (née Ryan) and Frank Sullivan. She attended St. Angela Hall Academy and spent happy summer days in Breezy Point, New York and Lakeville, Connecticut. At age 14, Patti moved to Southbridge Towers in Manhattan, where she first met her future husband, Paul Kefer. She attended Convent of the Sacred Heart and thrived in the school community, which would remain dear to her throughout her life. She matriculated at Manhattanville College where she graduated with high honors.

In 1980, Patti graduated from Fordham University School of Law. Prior to graduation, she joined the law firm of Barry McTiernan & Moore, where she would practice for the entirety of her 46-year career. Under the tutelage of Roger P. McTiernan and John J. Moore, Patti flourished at the firm as a Law Clerk, an Associate, and a Partner. A trailblazing female attorney, Patti earned respect throughout the industry due to her sharp wit, confidence in the face of any challenge, indefatigable work ethic, and the genuine care and attention she poured into every detail. She built strong working relationships that grew into lifelong friendships, and she was passionate about mentoring future generations.

Her dedication to service extended to her personal life, where she generously used her skills and expertise to help support friends, family, and community. She was a devout Catholic, a congregant at Our Lady of Victory and the Church of St. Andrew, where she was founder and director of the religious education program for 13 years.

Patti cared deeply and empathetically for others. She embraced every opportunity to bring people together and create connections. She LOVED a party, anything from small celebrations to family weddings to holiday dinners. She found joy in togetherness and was the consummate hostess, especially in Breezy Point, ensuring everyone felt at home and that there was more than enough food and laughter. Her door was always open, with a sympathetic ear, kind words, or helpful advice.

Above all, Patti adored her family, who she loved with her whole heart. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 44 years, Paul James Kefer, her two children, Ryan (Jesse) Kefer Missad and John Sullivan Kefer, and her cherished granddaughter Thea Grace Missad. She is survived by her twin sisters, Barbara Sullivan and Lisa (Stephen) Davidson. Although she was a mother of two, she was known as “Mom” to many more, and her extended “kids” will all miss her dearly.

Please join us at any of the events below, as we celebrate her life and honor her memory:

A gathering and visitation for Patricia will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel, located at 1076 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10028, where we will be celebrating her memory from 1 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM.

A funeral mass will occur on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 10 AM at St. Patrick's Cathedral, located on 5th Avenue between 50th & 51st Streets, New York, NY 10022.

Following the service, burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.

If you would like to make a donation in her name, please consider the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, or we encourage you to pick a charity that you feel passionate about, in honor of the many causes she supported herself.