'Bigger than life' Wyckoff resident to be remembered with 5K run
WYCKOFF — Whether Thomas "TJ" Sullivan Jr. was fishing, surfing or marching in a St. Patrick's Day Parade, friends and relatives agree he was "bigger than life."
A year after he died unexpectedly at age 47, his wide-sweeping memory will be honored with the Friends of TJ 5K Fun Run for Charity at Eisenhower Middle School at 10 a.m. May 19. Children and pets are welcome.
Assemblyman Chris DePhillips is chairing the event in honor of his "dear friend."
"The run will raise money for three of TJ's favorite charities," DePhillips said. "St. John's Soup Kitchen in Newark, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and St. Peter's Prep War Dog Athletic Club, which TJ founded to support the school's wrestling team," on which he was a member.
The North Caldwell native, who lived in Wyckoff for 21 years, made his mark early as an "Outstanding Freshman" at St. Peter's Prep, where he competed in cross country as well as wrestling. After graduation in 1993, he was honored by the school as one of its "Young Alumni." He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Scranton, where he served as a trustee of its Business Council.
Sullivan joined the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of the Oranges, which named him Irishman of the Year in 2007.
Sullivan served on the VFW Memorial Day Committee, coached wrestling from 2007 to 21011, and participated in the Wyckoff Franklin Lakes Triathlon from 2006 to 2010.
A member of St. Elizabeth's Church, Sullivan was a 2023 recipient of its Elizabeth Eight Award. He served on its Cornerstone Team and Advisory Board, emceed the St. Elizabeth School Gala, started and ran the school's Dad's Night, coached basketball and served on its School Security Council.
A lifelong summer resident of Spring Lake Heights, Sullivan was a Spring Lake Golf Club member, running in the Spring Lake 5K Run, the Avon 5K Run, and competing in the War at the Shore Triathlon.
Sullivan volunteered at St. John's Soup Kitchen doing food distribution, clothing donations and computer services. As a member of the TD Foundation, he volunteered to help children of wounded and deceased veterans.
Sullivan was owner and president of Grindstone Advisors digital media advertising.
Online race registration is available on the Friends of TJ Fun Run registration page. In-person registration will be taken at Eisenhower Middle School, 344 Calvin Court, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 17, or before the race on May 19.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 'Bigger than life' Wyckoff resident to be remembered with 5K run
