Flavia Sullivan

Flavia (Kinney) Sullivan, 91, of Naugatuck, beloved wife of the late Martin F. Sullivan passed away peacefully at her home on December 27, 2025. She was born in Waterbury to the late John Patrick and Flavian (Brennan) Kinney.

Flavia, or “Sue” as she was known to her family, led a life of unwavering devotion to family and friends. She grew up in Waterbury with her eight brothers and cherished sister, Beth. A graduate of Crosby High School and the College of New Rochelle with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Flavia chose a career in business and worked as a Human Resources specialist at Scovill Manufacturing. In 1962, she married and started her family. She raised five children, managed a hectic household of school, sports and music, and worked in the Naugatuck School system as a substitute teacher. Later, she provided care for her mother, brother Bill, and husband. She finished each busy day with a good book, a crochet project in her lap, and a glass of wine.

Flavia was the devoted mother of Martin J. Sullivan of Beverly, MA, Carol Martino of Shelton, CT, Leah Meyer of Middletown, CT, Flavia Rizk of Watertown, CT, and Liza Suter of Stamford, CT; and the beloved mother-in-law of Joan Sullivan, Steve Martino, Jim Meyer, Robert Rizk, and David Suter. She was the adored grandmother of Kate, Nora, and Meg Sullivan; Veronica and Eric Meyer; Jenna and Robert Rizk; and Christopher, William, and Anne Suter. Also, she was the cherished sister of Bob, Paul, and Donald Kinney, and was predeceased by her siblings John Patrick, Francis, Peter, David, Elizabeth, and William Kinney. Deeply valuing family, she shared a special bond with her sisters-in-law, including Marianne and Mary Catherine Kinney, and the late Eileen, Maureen, Barbara, and Ann Kinney.

The Sullivan family extends its deepest gratitude for the many caregivers in our Mother’s life. Thank you to Matilda A., Flavia’s long-term aid, and the entire team from Visiting Angels.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church St, Naugatuck (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 2324 E Main St, Waterbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Saint Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury.