EDUCATOR and JUDGE
Jerry Sullivan was born December 19, 1930 and
grew up near Brookville, PA, where his father worked for the railroad, as did many other Irishmen of that era. Since
moving his family to Portville in 1961, Judge Sullivan has made large contributions to Portville's town and school.
After World War II, he came to the New York side of the Twin Tiers, graduating
from St. Bonaventure in 1954. He started teaching English at Portville Central School in 1961, eventually becoming chairman
of the department.
During his tenure at PCS, Mr. Sullivan earned the respect of staff and
students alike. He was a class advisor for 28 years, an assistant football coach, Homecoming chairman, and president
of the Portville Faculty Association.
Jerry also taught journalism for years, and he was an advisor to the
Press Club and the National Honor Society. He was the drama club chairman for six years as well, and volunteered his
services for countless dances, gatherings, and other student events.
In addition to his educational career, Mr. Sullivan has been the Village
and Town Justice since 1970. He has been a member of both the New York State and Cattaraugus County Magistrate
Associations during that time.
Judge Sullivan has also been a tireless member of the Sacred Heart
Roman Catholic Church in Portville, serving as a church representative to the Food Pantry Board of Directors, a past trustee
of the congregation, and a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He has been a lector and Eucharistic minister for
Sacred Heart and a member of the Elks Club as well.
Jerry and Gloria have been married since 1954 and have 5 children
- Mark (1974), Greg (1975), Bryan (1976), Linda Kathleen (1979), and Chris (1983). All of them graduated from Portville
Central School. Gloria is an assistant librarian with the Portville Free Library.
