William F. Sullivan

William F. Sullivan, 88, of East Providence, formerly a resident of Warren, RI for more than 46 years, passed away after a brief illness on January 3, 2024, at Grace Barker Nursing Home in Warren. Married for 64 years, he was the devoted husband of Wilma (Congdon) Sullivan.

Born and raised in Fox Point, a son of the late Michael and Julia (Healy) Sullivan. He was a proud veteran of the US Army, and continued his education on the GI Bill, graduating from Johnson & Wales University following an honorable discharge from the military.

Bill represented the best of his generation, building a highly successful career in financial services through hard work and personal drive. With strong entrepreneurial spirit, Bill started his own business within the mortgage industry. Over a period of years, he became founder, President and CEO of Union Deposit Bank and later, Union Federal Savings Bank which were community savings and mortgage banks.

Of his many business successes, a particular point of pride for Bill was that during the banking crisis of 1991, when RISDIC collapsed and 45 Rhode Island banking institutions were closed, Union Deposit was quickly certified to re-open, based on the quality of its lending practices and strength of its portfolio. This was a distinction few banks achieved. Union Deposit also provided the first professional work experience for Bill’s sons and many nieces and nephews, with the training they received setting them out on strong careers.

Bill was a devout Catholic, loving husband, dedicated father and involved grandfather. He was proud of his Irish heritage, a lifelong sports fan, an avid reader and loved a good cup of coffee. Bill was known for his sense of humor and was always ready with a joke.

Bill and Wilma spent the winter in Treasure Island, Florida, for more than 35 years. They enjoyed an active social life with friends, family and especially the grandchildren. They were involved and always on the go.

In addition to his wife Wilma, he is survived by three sons, William and his wife Julie of St. Petersburg, Florida; James and Ellen of Palm Harbor, Florida and John and Stephanie of Cumberland, RI. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Dillon, Parker, Cormac, Megan, Kiera and Aidan. Bill was also the brother of the late James M. Sullivan and Ann M. Murphy.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 8:30 AM from the PERRY-MCSTAY FUNERAL HOME 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Church, 92 Hope Street, Providence. Burial with Military Honors will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s memory to the Fox Point Boys and Girls Club of Providence, 90 Ives Street, Providence, RI 02906.

For directions or condolences, please visit www.perrymcstay.com.