John E. "Butch" Sullivan, Jr.

With heavy hearts, we mark the passing of John Edward "Butch" Sullivan, Jr., 84, of Horseheads, New York, who passed away at home on February 3, 2025.

His family will hold a Celebration of Life in John’s honor on Saturday, August 23, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Bernie Murray’s at 500 South Main Street, Elmira, NY. Please come share your memories and stories of John.

Born on December 28, 1940, in Corning, New York, John lived a life in Elmira marked by entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for motorsports, and a deep commitment to helping others.

John began his education in Elmira before attending the Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, Massachusetts, in 1956. At Eaglebrook, he distinguished himself by winning awards for penmanship and neatness while also excelling in shop class and on the football field. He went on to The Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut, where he continued to pursue athletics and developed an early interest in business and mechanics. Upon graduating from Choate in 1960, John attended Cornell University’s School of Hotel Management, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration in 1964. During his time at Cornell, he was an active member of Crimson varsity athletics, rowing crew and competing in hammer throw for the track and field team. Known for his entrepreneurial flair even then, John became a campus favorite for his sandwich-making skills atop The Slope—culinary prowess he would cultivate, slightly stealthily, throughout his life.

John’s professional journey began at Chemung Canal Trust Company in 1965, becoming a branch manager known for his dedication to serving clients while supporting staff. A tireless entrepreneur with a knack for blending operations and strategy with hands-on fieldwork, John went on to play a pivotal role in expanding cable systems across the Twin Tiers region, founding Finger Lakes Cable in 1983. After selling the company to Paragon Cable (later Time Warner), John continued consulting on cable networks even while turning his focus to machine work. He founded Armor Coatings, Inc., in Horseheads, which became a respected provider of powder-coating services under his leadership.

John’s dedication to fostering growth extended beyond business. He was deeply committed to providing employment opportunities and skills training to individuals facing challenges in finding work. He took great pride in seeing his employees succeed and often stayed connected with them as they advanced their careers.

A lifelong motorsports enthusiast, John’s passion for classic cars began in his teens with his first vehicle—a Mercury woodie wagon he cherished during his Cornell days. Over the years, he amassed an impressive collection of vehicles, including café racer motorcycles now housed at the Barber Motorsports Museum and an array of hot rods and unrestored originals he loved to drive. His involvement with the Chemung Valley Street Rod Association and the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America brought him lasting friendships and countless adventures on many a classic Chevy cruise with Ele navigating.

A fan of racing since youth, John spent many happy days at Watkins Glen, whether volunteering with timing or pitching in to help eminent friends like Bob Snodgrass and Hurley Haywood on and off the track. After getting married in 1977, John left the pits for the registration booth to volunteer alongside wife Ele. Still, he never lost his need for speed, going to Daytona almost every year, even after the birth of their daughter Kate in 1983, and always enjoying tinkering with his collection and catching races on TV.

Life has a way of looping the track, though, and  John’s love for racing reignited in the 2010s when he discovered land-speed racing at an event in Loring, Maine. Invited to run his beloved 1940 Chevy Master deLuxe race car, John promised his wife a lobster dinner along the way and set off north—conveniently neglecting to mention that he’d also registered Ele to race their diesel SUV! Though John’s runs in the Chevy were nothing to sneeze at, it was Ele’s prowess in the VW that sparked their retirement racing. Soon, John was tuning a string of cars for Ele to go ever faster, while keeping up some unusual racing projects of his own, including his pride and joy, the Franken-Nova Chevy Nova II six-cylinder race rod. With Ele, he formed JES Racing, participating regularly with the Loring Timing Association and becoming central figures in their new go-fast family.

Closer to home, John enjoyed Saturday morning breakfasts with friends at Light’s Bakery in Elmira, where conversations often revolved around car restorations or local projects like renovations to Eldridge Park. In retirement, he could frequently be found browsing online for restoration parts with his rescue cockatiel Rebel on his shoulder or knee, demanding skritches and cookies. He took pride in maintaining the lawn and garden, often putting in the effort just as much for the visiting deer, pheasant, and other birds as for the benefit of his homegrown tomatoes and peppers.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Eleanor Panchyk Sullivan; his daughter, Dr. Kate O. Sullivan; and countless friends whose lives he touched through his generosity and charm. He was predeceased by his father, John E. Sullivan Sr.; his mother, Lorana Cain Hattemer Olcott Sullivan; his sister, Lorana Olcott Sullivan; and Rebel, his devoted cockatiel companion of 15 years who shared many snacks and snuggles perched on John’s shoulder.

Known for his gruff yet endearing personality and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, John left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Whether helping friends with DIY projects or sharing stories over coffee, he had a gift for making instant connections that turned into lasting relationships.

John’s family would like to thank his tireless, devoted caregivers and nurses, who supported him through his final months with infinite patience, kindness, and care–and the occasional tough love. Even at his worst, John was able to charm those around him, joking with “his ladies” and building a bond with them his family can’t fully express their gratitude for.

Final arrangements via McInerny’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of John’s favorite charities.

May John Edward "Butch" Sullivan Jr.’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him and inspire others to live with the same passion, independent spirit, and generosity that defined his remarkable life.