Daniel J. Sullivan
He was not on the list.
Daniel J. Sullivan, 85, of Andover, MA, peacefully passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025 at High Pointe House in Haverhill, MA, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 1, 1939, he was the son of the late Daniel C. Sullivan and Stella (Zaborski) Sullivan. Dan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, who touched the lives of all who knew him. He was an exceptional athlete throughout his life, earning a full scholarship to Boston College for both football and hockey, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in business. He was also awarded the Scanlan Award, Boston College’s highest football honor which is presented to a senior football player who epitomizes athletic ability, leadership and scholarship. Following Boston College, Dan was drafted by the Baltimore Colts and enjoyed an outstanding 11 year career in professional football.
His athleticism and dedication made him a standout on the field, but it was his character off the field that truly set him apart. Dan’s strong Catholic faith guided his actions, and he was known for his charitable spirit, humility, and magnetic personality that drew people to him. He was a true advocate for the special needs community and served on the boards of many organizations. Dan lived to take care of his special needs daughter, Julie, with whom he had a unique relationship and bond.
After retiring from football, Dan continued to make an impact in the food industry, working as a Sales Executive with Eastern Sales and Marketing. He was also a gifted public speaker, who inspired many with his words, sharing his experiences and wisdom. He was always the life of the party, and many have commented that it wasn’t really a party unless Dan was there. In his free time, Dan loved to golf and spend time with his family, especially during the summer on Cape Cod. His warmth, humility, and gentlemanly nature earned him the admiration and respect of everyone he encountered.
Dan will be dearly missed and is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Lorraine (Rabbitt) Sullivan, loving daughters; Elizabeth (Sullivan) Flanagan and her husband William Michael Flanagan of North Andover, MA, Julie Sullivan of Dracut, MA, and Kristen Sullivan of North Andover, MA, as well as his brother, John Sullivan and his wife Mary (Foley) Sullivan of (Hanover, MA). Dan is also survived by his beloved grandchildren; Meaghan Elizabeth Flanagan of Boston, MA, Michael Thomas Flanagan of Hoboken, NJ, and Brian Joseph Flanagan of Boston, MA, along with his late sister-in-law Marion (Rabbitt) Towle and her late husband Richard Towle, his brother in-law Paul Rabbitt and his wife Jane (Mercier) Rabbitt, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, MA. A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Augustine Parish, 43 Essex St, Andover, MA. Burial will follow at West Parish Cemetery in Andover. In lieu of flowers, donations will be graciously accepted in memory of Dan Sullivan to Waystone Health & Human Services c/o Development Department 439 South Union Street, Suite 401, Lawrence MA 01843 or to The Arc of Massachusetts, 217 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453.
He was an American professional football player who was an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL) from 1962 through 1972. He played college football for the Boston College Eagles. Sullivan started in two Super Bowls for the Colts, including their win in Super Bowl V.
The Colts selected Sullivan in the third round of the 1962 NFL draft with the 37th overall pick. The American Football League's Los Angeles Chargers also drafted him in the AFL draft (80th overall). He chose the Colts, signing for $9,500 and then played backup offensive lineman until he became a full-time starter in 1966, remaining a starter until his retirement. He played for the team from 1962 to 1972 and missed only two games with injuries. His highest annual salary was $47,000.
In 1967, the Colts offense led the NFL in yardage, and was second in points scored. The team's record was 11–1–2, but they missed the playoffs because of a division tie with the Los Angeles Rams.
In 1968, Sullivan was named first-team All-conference by The Sporting News. The Colts won the 1968 NFL championship, and their offense that year was second in the NFL in scoring and fourth in total offensive yards. Sullivan appeared in Super Bowl III as the starting right guard, a loss to the New York Jets. In 1970, the Colts offense was in the top-ten in total yards and points scored. The Colts won the 1970 AFC championship game over the Oakland Raiders. They went on to win Super Bowl V over the Dallas Cowboys, with Sullivan as the starting right tackle.
Sullivan was mentored early in his career by Colts Pro Football Hall of Fame player Art Donovan, who had also gone to Boston College, and treated Sullivan like an adopted son. During his Colts career, Sullivan played every offensive line position, and the team's record was 104–45–5.
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