Robert P. Sullivan

Robert Paul Sullivan, 87, died on June 10, 2024 at Branches Assisted Living after a long bout with Parkinson’s Disease.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eileen, his three children Melinda, Barry, and Paul, and predeceased by his son Robert Jr. They also have seven grandchildren and four great- grandchildren.

Robert was born in Providence, RI to William and Evelyn Sullivan, travelled the world with his wife Eileen, and raised their family in Hudson, MA. After graduating from East Providence High and Providence Country Day, Robert studied at New England Conservatory where he later became chair of the guitar department. He is remembered as a supportive, good-humored lecturer and teacher for generations of students. His diplomatic skills also served him well as chair of the NEC Faculty Senate for 30 years where he dedicated himself to creating a governing policy that was signed by the full-time faculty and the trustees, with great help from the committee and our lawyer. Upon retirement, Bob was honored by the Boston Guitarfest with tributes from former students and colleagues.

Robert was an esteemed performer on all sorts of stringed instruments, including guitar, vihuela, lute, jazz guitar, and mandolin. He performed all over New England, Europe, and Russia including with Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Celebrity Series, Alea III, New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra, Rhode Island Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, Boston Ballet, Boston Opera Company, Musica Viva and others. Robert also performed in Broadway touring productions of Chicago, Ragtime, Fiddler on the Roof, and Man of La Mancha, as well as with the Irish folk band Jug O’ Punch and jazz duo with Tom Greene. He served as a member and as president of the jury at the Emilio Pujol Classical Guitar Competition in Sardinia, Italy. Many summers were spent as a conductor for the American Mandolin and Guitar Summer School. Robert also taught at College for the Holy Cross, Clark University, and Syracuse University. Students and faculty will miss Bob’s unmistakable Boston accent in the halls as well as his good humor and no nonsense insight.

When not working, Bob enjoyed the rivers and mountains of New Hampshire where he hiked, fished, foraged mushrooms, and biked. He was once clocked at over 50 mph biking through Crawford Notch. He was fun-loving and enjoyed hosting dinner parties with Eileen. His love of wine brought them to vineyards in Italy, France, and California. His family cherishes these memories.

Calling Hours for Bob will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 4pm-7pm, at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 1pm, at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (Donate Here).