Jeremiah John “Jedd” Sullivan IV, 63, Portsmouth

Posted 1/23/19

Jeremiah John “Jedd” Sullivan IV took his life on Jan. 5, 2019 after a lifelong battle with depression. Jedd was an unassuming and intently caring man who constantly dedicated himself, …

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Jeremiah John “Jedd” Sullivan IV, 63, Portsmouth

Posted

Jeremiah John “Jedd” Sullivan IV took his life on Jan. 5, 2019 after a lifelong battle with depression. Jedd was an unassuming and intently caring man who constantly dedicated himself, his time, vast skills, and efforts to his friends, family, and his community. He connected meaningfully with people who entered his life.

Jedd was born just outside of Philadelphia in Bryn Mawr, Penn. on May 25, 1955. He spent half his childhood there, then moved with his family to Sewickley, Penn., a suburb of Pittsburgh. He spent his childhood summers in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, with family and friends. Jedd graduated from Sewickley Academy in 1973 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Haverford College in 1977. He pursued Master-level coursework over the years in a variety of disciplines including neuropsychology, oceanography and geology.

Jedd was multitalented: a fine craftsman, sailor, theatrical lighting designer, computer wizard and teacher. He worked as a home remodeler (specializing in kitchen renovation), an offshore delivery crew member, IT professional and a literacy tutor. He was a lifelong learner and voracious reader. Most importantly, Jedd was an incredibly kind, funny, generous and gentle man.

Through his love of the ocean and sailing, he traveled extensively and developed many friendships around the country and across the world. He moved to West Palm Beach, Fla., in the ’90s to study, and to paddle the Everglades; he was afraid the loss of the Everglades was imminent and wanted to experience this area before it disappeared. For a few years, he had a home on Denman Island in British Columbia, Canada, where he made deep, lasting friendships. On Denman, he was able to savor so many things that were important to him — nature, creatures — especially his beloved beavers, kayaking and hiking. 

Jedd lived in Rhode Island for the last nearly 20 years. He was a tireless Common Fence Music supporter and volunteer. Jedd was beloved and treasured by his CFM family and so many others in his Rhode Island community. 

This sudden loss of Jedd has been terribly difficult and heartbreaking for all who knew and loved Jedd — he was so giving and caring but had been increasingly despondent despite the beautiful friendships he enjoyed. Jedd would be pleased if each of us took a few moments during our week to reach out to those around us who may be hurting. 

Jedd is survived by his mother, Joan Blair Sullivan of Sewickley, Penn.; his brother, Graham Sullivan and his partner, Victoria, of New York City; his brother Paul Sullivan and sister-in-law, Barbara Landes of Madison, Wisc.; and his cherished nephews, Conor Sullivan and his wife April, of San Bruno, Calif.; and Trajan Sullivan of Brookline, Mass. He was pre-deceased by his father, Henry Paul Sullivan. He is also survived by many Sullivan, Fairchild, and Grosvenor cousins and dear and treasured friends too numerous to mention.

A memorial gathering and concert will be held for Jedd in Providence on March 23. Gatherings at Denman, Miami, and Baddeck may also be held. Donations may be made in Jedd’s memory to Common Fence Music at the CFM website: www.commonfencemusic.org, or by check to PO Box 4176, Middletown, RI 02842.

“We are the mirror as well as the face in it.

We are tasting the taste this minute

of eternity. We are pain and what cures pain. 

We are the sweet, cold water and the jar that pours.” 

— Quatrain #1652 from “Rumi’s Open Secret”

“I have tried in my way to be free.” 

— “Bird on a Wire,” by Leonard Cohen

“Give and give, until you go away.” 

— Jedd Sullivan

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