Obituary: Carmel (Russo) Sullivan

Carmel Russo Sullivan, 78, of Gorham, Maine, Dies

Gorham, Maine – Carmel Russo Sullivan, a longtime resident of the town and former community pillar in Bristol, Connecticut, passed away on June 26, 2026, at the age of 78. The former banker and artist was survived by three children and eight grandchildren.

Sullivan was born in Hartford, Connecticut, to John B. Russo and Anna T. Russo. She grew up in a family that valued education and service, and after graduating from Bulkeley High School and the Hartford Secretarial School, she began a career at Hartford National Bank. While her work kept her busy, Sullivan pursued her passion for the arts, earning recognition as an award‑winning painter and drawing inspiration from classical music and literature.

Her family life was centered in Maine. After a life that saw her relocate several times—from Avon, West Hartford, and Bristol, Connecticut, to Gorham—she married James M. Sullivan, whose death preceded hers. The couple raised three children: Andrea, James, and Timothy. Andrea lives in California with her husband Scott Emerson; James resides in Chatham, Massachusetts, with his wife Mary; and Timothy lives in Gorham with his wife Amber. The family also celebrated the birth of grandchildren Tristen and Taylor (Sullivan), Shannon and Matt Wotring, and Megan and Kerry Sullivan.

Sullivan was known for her dedication to community service. In Connecticut, she taught in the St. Gregory Church CCD program and worked as a docent at the American Clock Museum in Bristol. She also volunteered at the Zion Lutheran Church soup kitchen and was an active member of the Bristol Garden Club and the Polymnia Reading Club. In Maine, she remained a faithful communicant at St. Anne’s Church in Gorham, where she was a valued volunteer and friend.

The Sullivan family wishes to express gratitude to the caregivers at the Gorham House, whose compassionate care sustained Carmel during the final seven years of her life. They also acknowledge her sisters, Lucille R. Healy of Newington, Connecticut, and Allegra R. Knight of Sun Lakes, Arizona, who predeceased her.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 28, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church, 299 Main Street, Gorham, Maine. Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to attend and share memories of Carmel’s warmth and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity:

Habitat for Humanity
P.O. Box 1167
Americus, GA 31709‑9951

Carmel Russo Sullivan’s legacy of creativity, kindness, and service will remain a cherished part of the Gorham community and beyond.