Daniel Maynard Sullivan, Jr.

Daniel Maynard Sullivan, Jr., 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 12, as in life, surrounded by his loving family and leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, loyalty, and family devotion.

Born August 16, 1932, and raised in West Roxbury, Danny was the son of Daniel and Anna (Nancy) Sullivan. He often spoke with gratitude and love of the parents who shaped him: an accomplished, kind father and a loving mother, who promptly addressed any shenanigans from her high-spirited son. He grew up on Dwinell Street alongside his beloved siblings in a close-knit family, who remained central to his life.

Danny was a proud graduate of Boston College High School, Saint Anselm College, and Babson College. He served his country honorably as a United States Marine.

One of the defining moments of Danny's life occurred as a teenager when he accompanied his friend Charlie Kickham home to 116 Moss Hill Road in Jamaica Plain and met Charlie's younger sister, Martha, affectionately known as "Muffy." Their love story endured separations through college, graduate school, and Danny's military service. They married in November 1958, beginning a life together built on love, friendship, loyalty, and shared adventure.

With his marriage to Muffy, Danny formally joined the large and legendary Kickham clan, whom he adored. Shortly after their wedding, he convinced his new bride to combine their honeymoon with an extended trip across the United States and Canada while he visited paper mills for his new job. The itinerary was not always scenic, but Muffy, good-natured as ever and, in her mother's words, completely smitten, happily agreed.

Danny's work eventually brought the family to Greenwich, Connecticut, where he and Muffy raised their five children and built a remarkable circle of lifelong friends. They became an integral part of the Belle Haven Yacht Club community, forming friendships that would endure for decades. Although Connecticut became home, their Boston roots remained strong. They returned often for joyous, chaotic Thanksgivings and treasured summers at the Kickham beach house in Scituate.

Danny enjoyed a successful career in the paper industry before embarking on a second career in politics. Combining his gift for connecting with people, his quick wit, and his natural enthusiasm, he went on to manage the Connecticut office of his friend, Senator Lowell Weicker, a role he embraced with characteristic energy and dedication.

Danny possessed a tremendous sense of humor and a mischievous spirit that never left him. He delighted in creating adventures, often recruiting his children, their friends, and a growing legion of nieces and nephews into whatever hijinks had captured his imagination. A master storyteller, he was known to blur the line between fact and fiction, for instance convincing his children and some of their friends that he had played for his beloved Green Bay Packers (whom he thoroughly enjoyed watching thrash the Patriots last weekend). When asked his name, he frequently answered "Clark Kent," and within a week of moving into his final residence had somehow persuaded the dining room staff to call him "Superman."

Behind the humor was a man of enormous loyalty and heart. He cherished his friendships and looked forward every year to vacations with close friends on Vinalhaven, Maine, a tradition he faithfully continued after Muffy's death in 1995. That loyalty was never more evident than during Muffy's illness. Danny became a fierce protector and devoted caregiver, standing by her side with unwavering love until the very end. Through his example, he taught his children lessons about commitment, devotion, and grace that they will never forget. 

Family was always at the center of Danny's world. He returned to the Boston area in 2002 to be closer to his children who had all moved North and to help his daughter raise his newest grandchild, Oksana, with his characteristic desire to be useful. He was endlessly proud of his children and delighted in his role as grandfather to Ben, Sam, Hayley, Jack, and Oksana. For them, he was a source of laughter, adventure, and occasional mischief, leaving their parents both exasperated and amused. 

Danny carried the loss of his brothers and sister deeply, having lost them far too soon. He was grateful for the many years he spent sparring good-naturedly with his beloved, and equally as smart and well-read sister, Mary, whether he was luring her into spirited debate or she was setting him straight. Their affection for one another was unmistakable.

Danny is survived by his children, Janice, Daniel, Gregory, Martha, and Mark; his daughters-in-law, Raeanne and Christina; his cherished grandchildren, his sister, Mary Dreger and her husband, Jon; his dear in-laws, Penelope Reilly, Angela Hill, Nancy Kickham, Paul Grady, Erika Kickham, Rosemarie Sullivan and Warren Karp; and many beloved nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by his adored wife, Martha; his dear siblings, Jack, Robert, and Nancy; and his cherished in-laws, John Reilly, Charlie Kickham, Janice and her husband, Dick Walwood, Michael Kickham, Peggy Grady and Jimmy Kickham and daughter-in-law, Laura Sullivan.Danny will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, his gift for storytelling, his unwavering loyalty, and the joy he found in his large circle of friends and family. Whether he was spinning a tale, planning an adventure, defending someone he loved, or instigating mayhem, he filled the lives of those around him with laughter and love. His family and friends will miss him deeply and remember him always.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday , November 18, 2026 from 5-7 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. Funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 10:30 AM in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in Danny’s memory.