Grampy Sullivan, 79, grandfather to Virginia, Phoebe and Astrid Sullivan, died on Easter, after spending four days with his family. For the past 17 years, Grampy split his time between his condo in Agawam, Mass., and his son and daughter-in-law’s home in New Canaan.
Grampy Sullivan
While his death was sudden, his last day was exactly what he would have wanted. He went to Easter Mass in St. A’s with his oldest granddaughter. He had many helpings at Easter Brunch at Woodway, including a caramel latte that he said was better than the ones at Dunkin Donuts. He then drove home, where he died peacefully.
Grampy was born Paul S. Vadnais, in Springfield, Mass., on December 26, 1946, to Helen and Roger Vadnais. He was the middle child. His younger sister, Nancy Vadnais, predeceased him in 1998. His older sister, Carol McMinn, survives him in Wilbraham, Mass. His marriage ended in divorce in 1983, and he never remarried.
His formative years were in Wilbraham. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1964. Initially he worked in his father’s construction business. Later he went into sales.
Grampy’s best and happiest memories were with his granddaughters. He spent every week with them, driving them around, making them breakfast, and being coerced into taking them for sugary treats. Whether the carline was at St. Luke’s School or Eagle Hill School, Grampy was the first one there. He knew their activity schedules by heart and would be at any of their games or practices. He was a tremendous help to his son Paul Sullivan and daughter-in-law Laura Pollock. He will be missed by his friend Genevieve Hall.
In addition to his sister and son’s family, he leaves behind his nephews, Chuck McMinn (Kimberly) of Charlotte, N.C., and Roger McMinn (Kate) of Monson, Mass. His niece Nan Hee McMinn predeceased him last year.
A Mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Cecilia’s Church in Wilbraham, Mass., on Saturday, April 18, at 11am. A reception will follow in the Athenaeum at Wilbraham & Monson Academy. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made in his granddaughter Virginia’s name to New Canaan Mounted Troop, Attn: Development Office, 22 Carter Street, New Canaan, Conn., 06840. He shared a love of horses with her.
To the Sullivan Family:
I am profoundly sorry. “Grampy” was a FIXTURE in the SLS line for the past five years. While we never spoke, his presence in his white Volvo with Mass plates provided me with peace and let me know I was on time. I cannot tell you how many times I have pulled up the AC and have said out loud “Virginia’s grandpa is here. Phew.” What special memories your children have had with their grandfather and many layered conversations they shared together on the ride to and from school.
With sadness.
Adrianne Davenport (SLS parent ’25, ’28, ’30)