John L Sullivan

John L Sullivan, 37 formerly of Worcester passed away surrounded by the ones he loved Monday September 2, 2019 after being stricken ill earlier.

Born in Worcester, John was the son of retired Worcester Police Lieutenant Lawrence “Larry” Sullivan and the late Suzanne T. (Frechette) Sullivan.  John graduated from St John’s High School in Shrewsbury and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Middle Eastern Studies from the George Washington University.  John started his career at the Rendon Group shortly after graduating from college before accepting a position at the Department of Defense in 2004.  In 2006, John took a position with the Department of State as the Director of the Arab Media Unit in the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. In 2008 John returned to Washington D.C. to serve as Spokesman and acting head of the Middle Eastern Press Unit within the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.  In 2011 John then joined the Department of the Treasury as Spokesman for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence working on global issues related to illicit finance, returning to Bagdad, in 2014 as the Financial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy. Most recently John served as a Director and valued member of the Financial Integrity Network team in Washington, DC

John is survived by his devoted wife, Haya Abu Sharar; a daughter, Suzanne I. Sullivan; his father Lawrence “Larry” Sullivan and his partner Maureen Walsh; a brother, Matthew J. Sullivan of Worcester; his nieces, Mikaela, Lyv  and Laurel; Extended family members and many friends around the world.  His mother, Suzanne passed away in 2012.

John had a fabulous career however brief.  He cherished his service to the United States and loved the ability to travel the world in service of the citizens of the U.S.   He enjoyed reading, adored his wife Haya, daughter Suzanne, and his closest and dearest friends and coworkers.  They were a treasured part of his life.  His caring soul will live on and he will never be forgotten. 

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Friday, September 6^th from 3 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home Saturday, September 7, at 10 AM.   Burial next to his mother will follow in St John’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Suzanne T. Sullivan Scholarship fund, care of the University of Massachusetts Graduate school of Nursing, 55 Lake Ave, North Worcester 01604. Attn: Jill Terrien, www.suzannetsullivanscholarship.org