Paul Sullivan Obituary
Paul Edward Sullivan, of Wilton, Connecticut and Sea Island, Georgia, passed away on October 20, 2025 at Yale New Haven Hospital in the loving embrace of his close family. He was 82 years old. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, lawyer, and avid golfer, Paul's life was defined above all by his deep love for his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Barbara (Berig) Sullivan, their two children and six grandchildren: Michael Sullivan and wife Beth of Southborough, Massachusetts, and their daughters Caroline and Bridget; Kelley Runyan and husband Tom of St. Simon's Island, Georgia, and their children Connor, Matthew, Ellie and Charlie.
Born on May 27, 1943, in Newton, Massachusetts, Paul was the son of the late William and Mary Sullivan and brother to William and Robert Sullivan. He grew up a proud New Englander and a lifelong Red Sox fan. He graduated from Newton High School in 1961, where he met the love of his life, Barbara. He went on to attend the University of Maine at Orono, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In the spring of his senior year, he and Barbara were married and began their 59-year journey together.
Paul earned his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1969, and was a devoted BC Eagle thereafter—an enthusiastic attendee at football games and "Pops on the Heights," and a dedicated member of the Dean's Advisory Board. Working his way through college and law school with an array of memorable jobs—including a stint as a private investigator—Paul loved to entertain his family with tales from those early days.
After graduating from BC Law, Paul began a distinguished 37-year career with Exxon Corporation (later ExxonMobil), rising through the ranks to become Vice President and General Tax Counsel. His work took him to every corner of the world, where he built a network of lasting relationships and mentored countless colleagues. While his professional accomplishments were many, his role in the litigation surrounding the tax implications relating to the Exxon Valdez disaster was among the most notable. Paul later postponed his retirement to help guide one of the largest corporate mergers in history: the formation of ExxonMobil. He also served as Chairman of the American Petroleum Institute's General Committee on Taxation, reflecting the high regard in which he was held by his peers across the industry. He retired from ExxonMobil in 2007 with a legacy of excellence and lasting impact that continues to endure.
A passionate golfer throughout his life, Paul was a longtime member of Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield, Connecticut and the Sea Island Club in Georgia, where he cherished both the game and the friendships it brought him.
Following his retirement in 2007, Paul devoted his time to causes close to his heart. He volunteered with the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program, continued his decades-long involvement with Junior Achievement as a board member, and supported numerous community and educational initiatives. A lifelong lover of the sea, he built two wooden kayaks, by hand, so he and Barbara could explore the Connecticut coastline, and he loved sailing with his family on Long Island Sound aboard the Razzamataz. His happiest days were spent on the water with Barbara and their children—a passion proudly shared by many in his family.
Though Paul was blessed beyond measure with an incredible career and innumerable friends and interests throughout his life, his true joy was his family. His wife Barbara, or Yaya, was more than his most trusted confidant, partner, and best friend – she was his entire world. Their two children and six grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life, and it was his role as "Papa" that he treasured most of all. Together with Yaya, they created countless cherished memories—from annual family Christmas trips to time together on Sea Island and many places in between. Paul was at his happiest surrounded by them.
He coached his children's soccer teams and later delighted in cheering on his grandchildren, always their biggest fan. His children and grandchildren sought his wise counsel at every turn, and it was their accomplishments that he most loved to celebrate.
Paul made everyone he spent time with feel like a true friend. He was brilliant, endlessly kind and generous, and his boundless love for those around him will be missed by so many.
The Sullivan and Runyan families would like to thank the medical staff at Norwalk Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital for their commitment, compassion, and care.
A celebration of his incredible life will be held on Friday, November 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Parish (229 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897), with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's name to the American Lung Association (lung.org) or to the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery program.(Cancer.org).
