Robert E. Sullivan

Rev. Robert E. Sullivan, in Providence, RI, formerly of Allston, MA passed away on July 23, 2026. He was born in Knoxville, TN on March 2, 1934, to the late James Walter and Eva (Whitehead) Sullivan. He was the youngest of his several siblings.

Robert acknowledged publicly his mother for having taught him good manners and for telling him about God. He credited her for his foundational belief in Jesus. He gave his life to Christ and was baptized for the first time in Jacksonville, FL when he was 14 years old after being invited to attend church on a regular basis by a faithful neighbor. Two years later he decided to get baptized again in Pottstown, PA during a Tristate Camp Meeting. He was 16 years old.

Growing up, Robert moved around with his family. The majority of his upbringing was betweenOhio and Florida. Traveling and experiencing new things became part of his life’s story.Robert attended Howe School in Akron, Ohio during his elementary days. He attended middle and high school in the outskirts of Orlando, FL. He graduated with his bachelor’s from Eastern Nazarene College in Wollaston, MA and his Master of Divinity was obtained in Washington, D.C. at Howard University on scholarship. Later, Howard University awarded him with an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Humane Letters) in recognition of his public service and major contributions to society through his teaching career, service to his country as chaplain and service as an officer. His family, however, recognized him most for being a loving husband, caring father and both a providing and fun-filled granddad. He was always up for a good time!

One of Robert’s biggest legacies is how much he loved his wife, Lois. The two met in the spring of 1953 at Boston Harbor’s Long Island Hospital. He often said, “She caught my eye with her smooth skin and bright smile.” He claimed to be attracted to her edginess. Getting to know her, he found her to be everything good for him as he doted over her intelligence, work ethic and kindness toward him. They courted and soon married on January 8, 1956, in New York City at the Pentecostal House of Prayer where Reverend Geroge Tate officiated their wedding. From there, in between travel, service and graduate school the two made memories and a family.

Rev. Robert E. Sullivan was a beloved husband, a devoted father, a present granddad, a retired Major of the US Army, a retired pastor of the earlier days of Brighton Congregational Church, an honored member of the Masonic Brotherhood through the Bethesda Masonic Lodge, and an active member of Aletheia Church in Providence, RI.

He now joins in Heaven his wife, Lois (Umstead) Sullivan and his only son Robert Eric Sullivan. He leaves behind Bernadette Sullivan of Boston (daughter), Linda Sullivan of Providence (daughter), Michelle D. Sullivan (daughter in-law), Candyss Sullivan Woodberry (granddaughter), Joshua Sullivan (grandson), James Sullian (grandson), Robert G. Sullivan (grandson), Jahaira Mohammad (granddaughter), Alshafea Dafalla Mohammad (grandson), Johnathan Sullivan-Tinsley (grandson) and several loving great grandchildren. For service details, please visit www.lehmanreen.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert E. Sullivan, please visit our Tree Store.