Paul G. Sullivan

By Robert A. Brown

Paul G. Sullivan died on February 4, 2009 in Vero Beach, Florida, at the age of 82.

He was born in Brooklyn, lived most of his life in Scarsdale, NY and in recent years in Vero Beach. He attended Princeton University, and served in the Navy as a radioman in Annapolis. His work career spanned over 50 years, first with Hayden Stone and then with Smith Barney.

Paul served for many years on the Board of the American Platform Tennis Association, and was APTA President in 1963-1965. He was also President of the Fox Meadow Tennis Club in1967-1969. During the 50s and 60s he was a major contributor to the activities of the APTA, serving, among other things, as Chairman of many National Championships and as Chairman of the APTA Umpires Committee. He was also a USTA umpire, and served in that capacity at the US Open and at Wimbledon.

He was instrumental in the APTA's establishing the Honor Award in 1965, to recognize individuals of distinction in platform tennis, which designation was changed in 1998 to the Hall of Fame.

In recognition of his long term service and outstanding contributions to the game, he was inducted into the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame in 2002.

Survivors include his second wife of 32 years, Joan Brooks Sullivan, son Jeffrey Sullivan, daughters Nancy Sullivan and Jean Sullivan; stepson Harold Johnson, stepdaughter Brooks Johnson and Jennifer Johnson Miller; and seven grandchildren.

Contributions in Paul's memory may be made to the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame Foundation, P.O. Box 413, Scarsdale, NY 10583.

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