Robert J. Sullivan, Jr.

Robert John Sullivan, Jr. of Lansing, NY passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 following a courageous battle with ALS. He is survived by his loving wife Sue and daughters Haley and Kathleen, mother Barbara Clymer, sister Marcia Sullivan, brother Peter (Martha) Sullivan, nephew Kyle Sullivan, mother-in-law Marilyn Chamberlain, brother-in-law David (Tina) Chamberlain, sister-in-law Kathy (Rick) Howell, nephew Travis (Jessica) Howell, uncle Paul Sullivan, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Robert John Sullivan, Sr., and sister Karen Sullivan.

Rob was born near Sydney, Australia on February 16, 1962. His family moved to Mt. Eliza where they resided until moving to idyllic Sherborn, MA in 1970. There, he spent summers life-guarding and teaching swimming lessons at Farm Pond. He loved growing up in a small town where he enjoyed playing street hockey and baseball and running cross-country through the woods. He loved the Boston Red Sox, attending his last game at Fenway in September. Curiosity, integrity, and honesty were defining characteristics of Rob's. He was a dedicated husband and father who never missed a dance recital, stage performance, or athletic event, enjoyed building sets for the Lansing High School musicals, and was always available to the girls for homework help. Rob cherished spending time with family and friends, boat rides on Cayuga Lake, stargazing, dramatic weather, changing seasons and beautiful sunsets from his front yard. Rob’s love for his family was so deep he would go to great lengths to ensure their happiness above his own needs. When his friends needed help, he was there.

Rob received his BS degree from Brown University in Geology-Physics/Mathematics and PhD from Arizona State University. Rob was a Principal Research Scientist at the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science and was a world expert on Martian aeolian processes. Rob was the recipient of many NASA Achievement Awards, having served on Mars 2020, Mars Science Laboratory, Mars Exploration Rovers, Mars Express, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Pathfinder, and Galileo. Rob authored or co-authored well over 100 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, but was an extremely humble person despite his prolific contributions to his field.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following in Rob’s memory: Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114; Racker, 3226 Wilkins Road, Ithaca, NY 14850; educational fund for Haley and Kathleen at Beginnings Credit Union. For those wishing to contribute to the college fund, please make checks payable to Susan Sullivan with “college fund” on the memo line and mail to Beginnings Credit Union, 1030 Craft Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. The family would like to thank Rob’s many caregivers, especially Mary, Everette, and Nicole, as well as friends Cristina, Eanná, Shelby, Ellen, Liz, Maria, Jeannie, and Mike, whose care and support for both Rob and Sue will never be forgotten. Rob received exceptional care from the neurology team at Massachusetts General Hospital as well as the University of Rochester Medical Center. Ever the scientist, Rob participated in as many ALS observational trials and drug trials as he could while knowing the outcome wouldn’t likely help him directly, but benefit others.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 8, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 9, at 11:00 am at his family’s church, the First Congregational Church of Ithaca, 309 Highland Road, Ithaca, NY with the Reverend Dr. David Kaden officiating. A reception will follow the service.