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August 2, 2018 40 Under Forty 2018

Brendan J. Sullivan

Photo | J. Fiereck Photography

Age: 22

Company: Farley-Sullivan Funeral Homes

Title: Funeral Director/Embalmer

No. of years with current company: 4

Town where I live: Rocky Hill

Town where I work: Wethersfield and Glastonbury

College: American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service

Highest Degree: Associate degree in mortuary science

Brendan Sullivan is a funeral director/embalmer for Farley-Sullivan Funeral Homes. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Robert, father, Tom, and uncles, Robert Jr. and Kevin, he is the third generation of Sullivan's to join the profession.

Graduating from American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in 2016, Brendan Sullivan became the youngest licensed funeral director/embalmer in the state of Connecticut. He looks forward to making the 75-year-old funeral home more modern and tend to the needs of the next generation.

What's been the biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?

The biggest accomplishment, professionally, would be getting my funeral director/embalmer's license. There is a lot that goes into getting your license including getting a degree in a mortuary science, passing two national board examinations, a state law examination, a practical examination for embalming, as well as a year-long apprenticeship. It was a major honor to finally be granted my license.

How are you involved in the community?

I'm a communicant of Corpus Christi Church in Wethersfield and a member of many groups and organizations such as the St. Paul Men's Club where I'm on the board of directors, Ancient Order of Hibernians, a member of the Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE), and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I'm an avid baseball fan. I coach Glastonbury Senior League Baseball and my former legion team, RCP Post 105. I also play baseball for the Orioles of the Connecticut Twilight League. I'm also fond of attending the Irish American Home Society.

Give an example of a people-skills habit you adhere to in your work and daily life that you feel has helped you succeed.

People skills are one of the most important traits to have in the funeral business. This particular business is very different than most others. Most days, you are with grieving families and need to be there for them, you need to listen and be attentive to their needs.

What do you hope Greater Hartford will be like in 10 years?

I hope Greater Hartford is full of young families and that the entire area is a thriving one like the way it was before and that all starts with getting Hartford back to where it was when it was at its strongest.

Reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:

• I am the third generation in a family business that is celebrating its 75th year in 2018.

• In 2016, I became the youngest licensed funeral director/embalmer in the state of Connecticut.

Fun Fact 

I played in the 2014 American Legion World Series.

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