Hinsdale Select Board Member James Sullivan Dies of COVID-19
HINSDALE, Mass. — The community is mourning the loss of Select Board member James Sullivan, who died Dec. 31 from complications from COVID-19.
Town Administrator Bob Graves said he was a '"dedicated member of our community who attended everything and got involved in the town."
Sullivan served his town in many capacities, including as a Planning Board member since 2016, town moderator from 2017 through 2020, a representative to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's Transportation Advisory Committee since 2019, and on the Select Board since 2021.
In addition, he served on search committees on an ad hoc basis and was the owner and operator of Sullivan Sanitation Services. He was also a musician.
Sullivan leaves his wife, Kristine, and their three adult children. An online fundraiser has been started to help his family and has so far raised almost $3,000 of its $10,000 goal.
Graves enjoyed the work they did together through the Select Board and praised his contributions to the panel.
'"When [Sullivan] got involved as a Select Board member, I was really enjoying getting to know him a little bit better, and he was very helpful, very insightful," he added. '"But also somebody who went out of his way to do what he could to assist whenever there was something happening."
The town administrator shared a recent story that highlighted Sullivan's dedication to public service.
Before Christmas, the town had Highway Department shortages and Sullivan was out on his street helping to locate a water leak, which was found and remedied.
'"As somebody in a small community, he pays attention to what's going on in the community," Graves said. '"And as a serving Select Board member, he noticed people driving up and down the streets so he went out and found out what was going on and got involved to try to help find the leak."
Because he held a commercial driver's license, Sullivan also offered to help with snow and ice removal during the holidays but was unable to do so after testing positive for COVID.
On Monday, Graves posted an announcement on Hinsdale's website notifying the community of Sullivan's passing.
'"Our hearts go out to Jim's family at this difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts," He wrote.
Hinsdale is down to two Select Board members: Richard Scialabba and Raymond Bolduc. Because the town will be running its regular election in late spring, the board is not leaning toward holding a special election to fill Sullivan's seat at the moment.
Graves highlighted the need for people to get involved in their communities as Sullivan was involved in his.
"More and more, it's a challenge to get people to sit on committees and take responsibility for some of the things and we need people to do that," he said.
'"And Jim was the kind of guy that stepped up, so he will be will definitely be missed by me, and I know he will be missed by loads of people in our community."
Tags: COVID-19,
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