Daniel J. Sullivan, Sr. – Dan, Grampy, Papa, Squeaky, friend, of Brandt Beach, Mattapoisett – died Dec. 16.

He was married to the love of his life Carmen for over 27 years. She was his whole world and he hers. Combined they had nine children, Kim Polky, Kelly Morgado, Kathy Gubernat, James Sullivan, Marie Shapiro, Daniel Sullivan, Terry Simonson, Arthur Moore and Tony Moore. As their family grew with marriages, 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, they found a way to make each and every one of them feel special.

He was raised in Bellows Falls, Vermont, the son of John and Grace Sullivan 80 years ago, a place he had always loved. He served our country as a firefighter in the Air Force. Once out of the service he started working with a start up company - Thermo Electron. As the company grew so did Dan's responsibilities, he was with Thermo for over 40 years and the friends he made there were lifelong.

In the early 1960s, Dan bought a piece of land in Mattapoisett and built a cottage for his family to spend summers in. So many wonderful memories of time spent with family and friends there. Dan’s favorite place was Goose City Rod and Gun Club in East Dover, Vermont. It was a hunting camp that he and his brothers built when they were young men. He eventually turned it into a retreat where he, Carmen and their family spent so much time. Dan loved to drive the winding roads of Vermont. Each town seemed to bring a new story of time spent there with friends. Together he and Carmen travelled to Spain, Alaska, Ireland and Mexico. He looked forward to spending time in Florida with Carmen and their friends each winter.

Dan lived his life to the fullest. He was an amazing friend, always the first one there when help was needed. He was quick with a joke or story, he loved to make people laugh. He was always up for an adventure and those that knew him each have their favorite Dan story to tell. He left you with a smile. His life was a life well lived.

Dan will be missed by his wife Carmen, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his siblings, nieces nephews, family in Spain and many dear friends.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow St. Mattapoisett. Arrangements by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Road (Route 6) Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to your favorite charity in his name. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.