Joseph B. Sullivan

Joseph B. Sullivan, affectionately called “Joe,” “Joey,” “Joey Shades,” “Shakes,” and “Bones,” of Horseheads, NY, left this world on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the early age of 45 after a courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease.

Joe was born and raised in Avoca, NY. He graduated in 1997 from Avoca High School and went on to attend Alfred State.  Joe experienced success as a salesperson at Simmons Rockwell Nissan, then in his later years at Nissan he was a finance manager.  Joe was skilled in his job;  he genuinely enjoyed it and anyone who knew Joe would tell you he was a hard worker.

Joey lived quite a life in his 45 years.  He survived a boat accident at the age of 10 that took the life of his uncle and then barely survived a head-on collision at the age of 18 that left him with lifelong pain.  Even after receiving a devastating Huntington’s Diagnosis at 40 years old, Joe still lived out his remaining years full of fun, humor, and love.  He appreciated a tasty cold Coors Light tall boy, the flavor of a Newport Light, cheering on a Yankees game and trying to support the Jets. No matter what time of year it was, Joe savored pumpkin pie with loads of whipped cream, and anything made of cinnamon.  He was a proud “dog dad” who enjoyed cuddling his pups on his reclining couch in front of his 75-inch screen tv, watching Netflix crime shows, Seinfeld reruns, and Power. He couldn’t pass up a great pair of sunglasses and was never without a bottle of Poland Spring Water.  He also loved getting into shenanigans with his childhood friends and reminiscing about their younger (and wilder) days.

Joe’s greatest success was his devotion to and his love for his wife, Mandy. With her he was silly, safe, kind, and loving and he took tremendous pride in being a great provider, confidant, and best friend to and for her. Even though Joe’s time here was short, just having the opportunity to be part of his life was an honor and a great adventure.  Giddy up, Joe.

Joe is survived by: his wife Amanda “Mandy” (Mace) Sullivan of Horseheads, NY, and their rescue pups -  Romy, Nuckles and Layla; mother Cindy Sullivan of Avoca, NY;  sister Jessica “Ferd” Sullivan of Bath, NY; brother Jim Sullivan and his wife Rachel (Zema) Sullivan, of Corning, NY; nieces Alexis and Nevaeh Sullivan both of Bath, NY; father-in-law Bob Mace and mother-in-law Olga (Homerda) Mace both of Elmira, NY; and brother-in law Michael Mace and sister-in-law Chelsea (Brown) Mace both of FL.  Joey also leaves behind a loving, supportive, and fun-spirited group of friends who have been close since childhood who include Matt and Jolie (Riekofski) McCarthy both of Corning, NY; Tony Matacale of Hornell, NY; Jason Brewster of Elmira Heights, NY; Jeff Button of Hornell, NY; and Corey Nicholson of Corning, NY.

The family would especially like to thank Nurse Danielle and Care Partner Sue on floor 2E at Guthrie Corning Hospital for their compassion and care for Joe during his final days.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue in Elmira, NY.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of the upcoming Huntington’s Diseases Awareness Month, memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America,  505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1402, New York, NY 10018,  or at hdsa.org, or by donating supplies to the Elmira Animal Shelter, 842 Linden Place Ext, Elmira, NY 14901 as all three of Joey’s dogs were rescues and he supported the mission of rescuing animals.