George R. Sullivan

Kenneth P. LaValle

May 19, 2015

George R. Sullivan

Award: Honoring Our Veterans

Year: 2015

George R. Sullivan has distinguished himself both in military and civilian life with meritorious service to our nation. He was accepted at Iona College in 1962, where he graduated cum laude with a B.B.A. in Accounting. While at Iona, he was elected to the National Honor Society, as well as Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. During the summers of 1963 and 1965, Mr. Sullivan successfully completed the Platoon Leaders Class Program and received his commission in the United States Marine Corps in June 1966.  

Following graduation from basic training, Mr. Sullivan was assigned to ground forces in the former Republic of Vietnam and assumed command of a rifle platoon with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment. During Operation Prairie II, he sustained wounds in an engagement with North Vietnamese forces, and as a result of those injuries, Mr. Sullivan’s left leg was amputated above the knee. He retired from military service in October 1967 and was awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second highest decoration. Mr. Sullivan’s war injury did not deter him in the slightest, as is evident in his many successful pursuits following his military career. 

Mr. Sullivan continued his education, receiving an M.B.A. from New York University Graduate Business School. He then attended Fordham University Law School, where he served as Class President. Mr. Sullivan pursued a career in public accounting, and after working with a leading international firm, commenced his own practice in 1971. In addition, Mr. Sullivan formed an investment advisory firm in 1995. He taught as an adjunct professor of accounting on the faculty of Suffolk Community College, has served as an elected official of the Town of Southold for 16 years, and currently holds the office of Receiver of Taxes. 

Mr. Sullivan has been active in both veteran and community endeavors. He was a principal in the construction of the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial, serving as Co-Chairman on the Finance Committee. Mr. Sullivan is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the American Legion and Marine Corps League, and continues to serve on the Advisory Committee of the Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. George Sullivan embodies the American life, character and spirit that qualifies him for membership in the New York Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame.