ROME – John Thomas Sullivan, 77, passed away at MaineGeneral Hospital in Augusta on April 5, 2024. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 8, 1947, a son of Dewey and Grace (O’Malley) Sullivan.

John grew up in South Boston and was a graduate of Charlestown High School. As a young man, he played first trumpet in the Boston Junior Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he played saxophone in a group called “The Hi-Liners”, who were quite popular throughout New England. Following school, John went on to receive aviation training, leading him to become a pilot. John spent his working years as a pilot employed by the federal government (during the Vietnam War), and Air New England, even flying Aerosmith while they were on tour in the mid to late 70’s. In addition, he instructed future pilots at Hanscom Field in Massachusetts. Following his career as a pilot, he became a private investigator and held contracts for both the government and the private sector. John was also the President of the Private Investigator Association of Maine. John had an impressive career and took part in numerous confidential assignments.

John was a man who wore many hats and experienced so much in his 77 years. He was proud to be a Master Mason and was a long-time member of the St. John’s Lodge in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He married Marsha Veilleux and the two settled in Rome on Long Pond. Together they traveled extensively and even lived on a boat in Ireland for a short period of time. John enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, and riding his motorcycle, riding all over New England, including two trips to New Foundland, Canada. John was a captivating storyteller, with an abundance of adventures to retell.

John will be remembered as a brave man who truly enjoyed helping others.

He was predeceased by his parents, and siblings: Charles Sullivan, and Eileen Sullivan.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marsha Sullivan; his stepchildren, Steven Schmidt and his wife Teresa, and Lisa Hicks; his step grandchildren, Karl Schmidt, Darren Hicks and his wife McKenzie, and Brianna Hicks; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A period of visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 1-2 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, Maine 04330, where a funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Burial will take place later in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Manchester. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the Maine Veteran’s Home, 35 Hero’s Way, Augusta, ME 04330 OR Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 168 Leighton Rd.,

Augusta, ME 04330

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