Jeanne Diane (Maurillo) Sullivan's Obituary
Jeanne Diane (Maurillo) Sullivan passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
She was born on August 24, 1947, in Syracuse, NY to John D. and Mary (DeLuca) Maurillo, grew up on the North Side and treasured her relationships with her extended Italian family. She was the second of eight siblings and one half-sibling.
Jeanne graduated from St. John’s Catholic Academy in 1965 and married the love of her life, Thomas Sullivan, two years later. Having been together since they were 15 years old, they would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on March 4, 2025.
Jeanne and Tom raised five children together. They have several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she treasured and they, in turn, adored her.
Known for her big heart and her generosity, Jeanne’s door was always opened with her welcoming smile and warm hospitality. She was a social butterfly, attending every family event, and monthly breakfasts, brunches and lunches with family and friends.
Jeanne’s Catholic faith was an important part of her life. As a member of St. John the Evangelist parish she was on the parish council, taught Confirmation class and was a lector. After St. John’s closed she joined Assumption parish. She also attended weekday mass at Blessed Sacrament church, where she was a lector and led the Stations of the Cross during the Lenten season. She was a Sisters of St. Francis Associate, meeting at St. Joseph the Worker church.
Over the years, Jeanne lived with her family in New Jersey, Kansas, California and Montana before returning to Syracuse. She retired from the Syracuse Housing Authority after a long career as a Section 8 manager.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas; her children, Lisa (Jamie) Van Auken of East Syracuse, Kathleen (Charles) Brown of Liverpool, Thomas (Bobbi) Sullivan of Keller, TX, Nicole Sullivan and Jason Sullivan, both of Syracuse; her grandchildren, Garrett (Marleia) Van Auken, Kayla & Kurtis Van Auken, Samantha & Sarah Brown, Ashley Speight, Thomas & Zachary Sullivan; her great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Luke, Oliver, Aurora and Jonah; her siblings, Donna Maurillo (Gary Reece), John (Marjorie) Maurillo, Mary Ann (Brian) Cowan, Susan (Ralph) Sims, Anthony (Lynn) Maurillo, Lori (Gary) Thompson and Maria (Mike) Recor; along with her half-brother, John (Julie) Ennis, along with many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY 13212. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Assumption Church, 812 N. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13208. She will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/3qoxXw?vid=1hpn1b
What’s your fondest memory of Jeanne?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jeanne?
Share a story where Jeanne's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jeanne you’ll never forget.
How did Jeanne make you smile?
