Life Member & Past President William (Bill) R. Sullivan
March 26, 1936 - December 5, 2023

William Richard Sullivan, 87, of Sykesville passed away on December 5, 2023, at the Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center in Rosedale, MD.

He was born on March 26, 1936, in Baltimore, MD, and then raised on the family farm in Rockdale. He was the son of the late William and Dorothy (Duley) Sullivan. William was predeceased by his wife, Dolores Harriett Sullivan; son, William Michael Sullivan; and half siblings, Clarence Sullivan, Margaret Hamilton, and Vanna Rehmeyer.

William was a member of the Liberty Road Volunteer Fire Company in Baltimore County from 1955 through 1976 until he moved to Gamber, MD. Bill then joined the Gamber & Community Fire Co. He became a life member, served as President in 1981 and again in 1987, and as Vice President for several years. He worked many years on the Bingo Committee and chaired numerous fund-raising events including country dances and the 400 Club. He assisted with the annual carnival, public suppers, and many other activities.

He was self-employed from the age of nineteen working in home improvements until his retirement. He and his son Michael worked many years together. When William retired, Michael took the business over until his retirement. William was good with his hands and could fix just about anything.

He loved to garden and could grow just about anything. He was especially proud of his Azalea bush that he had transplanted from the family farm 40 years ago. He enjoyed his many fishing trips with his nephew, Brooks and taking a grandchild along occasionally. He enjoyed hunting, feeding, and watching the birds, especially the hummingbirds in the summer.

He loved bluegrass music and loved to go to festivals. William liked to travel as well, often going to the Applefest in Pennsylvania.

William is survived by his daughters, Brenda Humphreys (Scott) of Westminster, MD, Patricia Freeze (James) of Westminster, MD, and Karen Costello of Luray, VA; son, Gary Sullivan (Sandy) of Reisterstown, MD; daughter in law, Susan Sullivan of Sykesville, MD; 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

The family will welcome friends on Thursday, December 14th, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 at the Gamber & Community Fire Co. A fire department memorial service will take place at 7:00 pm at the fire station on the 14th. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 15th, at 12:00 noon at the fire station with a visitation one hour prior to the start of services, officiated by Pastor Rev. Melissa Helfer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Gamber & Community Fire Company, 3838 Niner Road, Finksburg MD, 21048, in honor of William.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com