SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) – The Massachusetts Marine killed a by a gunman in Tennessee earlier this month was remembered by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield as “an exemplary Marine, a leader and a man of true courage.”
Bishop Mitchell Rozanski said at the private funeral Mass on Monday for Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan that he “leaves us with a legacy that will forever be cherished.”
Sullivan, a Springfield native, was one of five service members killed in Chattanooga on July 16. The gunman was killed by police.
The Mass at Holy Cross Church was attended by family, friends, active duty Marines and dignitaries, including Gov. Charlie Baker.
Thousands of people paid their respects at a public wake Sunday afternoon.
Sullivan will be laid to rest in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.