Philip R Sullivan

Philip R. Sullivan, MD, 91, of Sherborn, MA, passed away at home September 26, 2024; he remained fully engaged with life until the end. Born in Boston in 1932 to Marjory (Doherty) and John Patrick Sullivan, he was raised in Jamaica Plain and graduated from Boston Latin School, Holy Cross College and Harvard Medical School. He trained at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and completed his residency in psychiatry at the Institute of Living in Hartford. From 1967-1969, he served in the US Navy as a psychiatrist based at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital, returning to private practice after his tour of duty was complete, residing in Wellesley, MA.

He was passionate about teaching as well as his medical practice, and worked throughout his career with medical students and residents at his alma mater and MGH. During his years of practice, he was on the staff of MGH, Beth Israel Deaconess, HRI, Bournewood, and Arbour Hospitals. Dr. Sullivan’s commitment to his patients continued into his ninetieth year, when he fully retired.  While a doctor in training, he married Nancy (nee Doyle), daughter of his mentor, Dr. Roger Doyle. They had 5 children: Roger, Lee, Judy, Jane, and Amy; and were active members of the Longwood Cricket Club. In 1980, newly divorced, he moved to Sherborn where he began a new chapter in life while remaining active in his children’s lives.

In Sherborn, he continued his life-long learning as a philosopher and a physician, while starting many new adventures. As a “part time farmer” and naturalist, he and his life partner Irene embraced country living on his beloved “homestead” where they raised sheep, grew vegetables, cut and stacked wood for the wood stove, and cared for many rescue dogs and cats. He had many hobbies; he was an avid bicyclist, canoeist, and had a lifelong love of music. He loved singing and playing guitar; and he wrote and composed many of his own songs. He continually pondered consciousness and the big questions concerning human existence, which inspired him to write several novels, non-fiction books, and articles in medical journals.

Phil is survived by his longtime partner, Irene Rossi; his children Roger Sullivan (Samala), Lee Ann Sullivan, Judy Sullivan Greeley (Billy), and Amy Sullivan (Brian Van Baush); his grandchildren Adam Hill (Piper) and Colin Hill (Artemis); and great-grandchildren Ariadne and Demetria Hill. He was predeceased by his brother, John Paul Sullivan, and his daughter, Jane Sullivan. We will miss his dry wit, sage advice, encyclopedic knowledge of song lyrics, and passion for learning. Bene actae vitae.

A Celebration of Phil’s life will be held on Saturday, November 9, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, at the Warren Conference Center, 529 Chestnut St, Ashland, MA.