Sullivan was cared for by his grandparents, Patrick J. and Anna (Kelly) Kilmartin, originally of Doolin in County Clare, Ireland.
After the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Sullivan was one of several men sent ashore to evacuate Allied prisoners of war from Japanese camps.
He supplemented his teacher's salary by working for the Parks and Recreation Department during the summer and driving a cab.
[6] After the motion passed, Cambridge citizens organized a grassroots committee called SOC'M (Save Our City Manager) to oppose firing Sullivan.
Prior to his departure, Sullivan recommended that his assistant city manager, Robert W. Healy, be chosen as his successor.
[12] He also dealt with paraquat-contaminated marijuana, a murder inside a school, genetic engineering studies, and the hanging of political signs in the city square.
In an effort to increase revenue, Sullivan launched a program to acquire back taxes owed to Cambridge.
[13] On May 18, 1981, Sullivan announced his resignation effective July 1 to become president of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce (GBCC).
[12] Prior to accepting the job with the GBCC, Sullivan was considered for the position of general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
He was succeeded by William B. Coughlin, president of the Artery Business Committee which merged with the Chamber earlier that year.