Paul Edward Sullivan, 72, of Peterborough passed away unexpectedly on August 31, 2026. He was born on November 3, 1953, in Lynn, MA to Edward and Gloria Sullivan. Paul’s world revolved around his family, and he brought warmth to everyone around him.

Raised in Lynn, MA, Paul graduated from St. Mary’s High School before earning his degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University. In 1979, Paul married Kathy Dalferro, also from Lynn, and moved to Fairfax, VA. He dedicated his career to public service, beginning with the State Department’s Foreign Service in Washington, DC, where he traveled the world accompanying U.S. secretaries of state and foreign dignitaries.

In Peterborough, NH, where he lived for the last 44 years continuing his work with the government, Paul was a constant fixture on the sidelines–serving as the self-appointed (and sometimes official) assistant coach for every team his children joined, from rec league softball to golf and swimming. As an umpire, he took particular pride in his generous strike zone and loud, steadfast encouragement for every player on the field. He also loved passing along practical skills to his children, like how to unhook a fish and how to drive safely during high-speed pursuits.

Paul developed a passion for fly fishing and dedicated himself to leading the Peterborough Fly Fishing Club as its president for 17 years. In retirement, he became the neighborhood’s go-to authority on pellet stoves, always ready to launch into a masterclass on wood pellets to all within arm's reach, interested or otherwise. For the past decade, he served as an enthusiastic Google Product Expert. Through it all, he proudly held onto his unmistakable Lynn accent, quick wit, and sly sense of humor.

In addition to his wife Kathy and three younger siblings, Phil, Jeanne, and Jenifer, Paul is survived by Elizabeth Sullivan-Zager and her husband Russell of Redwood City, CA; Emily Sullivan West and her husband Ian of Concord, NH; and Robert Sullivan and his wife Brooke of Dublin, NH; and his beloved grandchildren: Cooper and Callaway Zager, and Violet and Robbianne West.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday September 11, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Jellison Funeral Home, 25 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday September 12 at 11:00 AM at Divine Mercy Parish, 12 Church Street, Peterborough, NH.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Paul by doing something generous for someone in need, as he did in life, or donate to the Peterborough Fire and Rescue Association.

To share a memory with the family, or a message of condolence, please visit Paul’s tribute page at www.jellisonfuneralhome.com.