Community Corner

Friends, Family Remember the Late Tighe Sullivan

Family and friends remembered the late Tighe Sullivan, 51, of Darien, who did not survive a helicopter crash Tuesday in the Poconos.

Tighe Sullivan, the co-founder of a financial firm and the husband of former Selectwoman Callie Sullivan, was remembered by friends and family members Wednesday as being full of life and committed to helping others.

Sullivan lost his life in a helicopter accident Tuesday in the Poconos. He leaves his wife and three children.

"He was one of the most gregarious, fun-loving, generous people I have ever known," said Callie Sullivan told the Pocono Record. "There will be hundreds of people who will agree with that."

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Selectman David Bayne does agree with that:

"He was always a fun guy to be around," Bayne said. "He was one of those people who just enjoyed being with other people. That's why he was such a well-liked guy in this town."

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Callie Sullivan said her late husband was a "ball of fire" who was active in charitable causes in Darien.

His business partner at Fraser Sullivan Investment Management, John Fraser, called Tighe Sullivan someone with an "unwavering zest for life" who was also a "positive, generous and loyal person." Fraser said he "cannot begin to describe the loss." (See attached statement.)

Sullivan's father in law, Richard Lombard, told Bloomberg Businessweek, "He was just a wonderful guy. [...] Full of spirit. An action person."

Although Callie is an active Democrat who ran for office and supported Democratic causes, Tighe was a Republican, often bemused that he was getting involved in so many fundraisers at his home for the other party, Bayne recalled.

"They hosted so many events for Darien Democrats and causes Callie believed in," Bayne said. "Tighe would always go around saying, 'I'm a Republican, but I love my wife so much, I'll support the causes she believes in.' Later on, he would often say, 'I think she's right.'

"He had a lot of joy in living, and always had a smile and a good word to say."

Editor's note: This article originally was published on Thursday. The time stamp has been changed for layout purposes on the Home page of Darien Patch.


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