Obituary of Kevin P. O'Sullivan

Kevin P. O'Sullivan of Readington Twp. was born on June 3, 1965 and grew up in Rutherford, New Jersey. He died on March 2, 2012. Kevin was the son of Christopher O'Sullivan and the late Dorothy Gunn O'Sullivan. He was the youngest of seven children. Kevin graduated from De La Salle High School in New Orleans, where he was the captain of the Karate Team. He followed proudly in his family's footsteps, becoming a member of the IBEW Local 52, now Local 164, as a Journeyman Electrician in 1985. Kevin earned a B.A. Degree from the National Labor College in 1999, where he served as President of the Student Union. After his graduation, Kevin pursued his passion for politics and was the Campaign Director for "The Project" in Washington, D.C. He served as the Regional Coordinator against California's Proposition 226 Campaign, as the Building Trades Union Director against Oregon's Ballot Measure 59, and as Indiana's Director in the 8th Congressional District. Kevin was the National Grassroots Political Organizer for the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO from 1999 to 2002, where he was the organization's Lead Lobbyist. He was the Chairman of the Political Action Committee of all the affiliated trades, and was a key strategist for related pending legislation. Kevin participated in the Florida vote recount during the 2000 Presidential Election and was considered by many to be the 'go to guy' on Capitol Hill. Kevin's charismatic personality and street smarts were a vital part of his ability to influence and bring about change. From 2002 until 2009 Kevin served as the Executive Director and Legislative Representative for the New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO. Kevin created and developed numerous programs, including the Helmets to Hardhats Program, securing places in the construction trades for returning veterans. Kevin subsequently returned to his roots as a Journeyman Electrician with the IBEW Local 164. Kevin was a respected and active member of the community, He worked diligently towards the passage of New Jersey's "Emma's Law" which was recently signed into law. Kevin worked tirelessly for his union brothers of the IBEW, where he was a respected member and leader, including a term on the executive board for local 52. Kevin was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Whitehouse Station, NJ. Kevin received many honors including the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America. True to his Irish heritage, Kevin was active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Giblin Association, Ironbound Irish Association, Belleville Irish Association, and the Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. He was honored to have served as the Grand Marshall for the 2007 Newark Saint Patrick's Day Parade. Kevin is survived by his father, Christopher, three brothers; Christopher S. Jr., of Metairie, LA, Michael H. of Catonsville, MD and William J. of Readington Township NJ, and three sisters; Dorothy O. Moody of Ocoee, FL, Margaret E. of Whitehouse Station, NJ and M. Susanne Anderson of Ellicott City, MD and many cherished aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. Kevin was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy (Gunn) and his nephew, Conor O'Sullivan. Kevin is also survived by his loving companion Michele Ferentinos of Hoboken, NJ. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse, NJ. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, March 9, 2012 at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Whitehouse Station. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Annandale. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.