Leslie LaCivita Sullivan, 72, of Essex, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, died peacefully early Sunday morning, April 13. She was born in Norwood, Massachusetts, on July 25, 1941, the daughter of Frank and Gayle (Madden) LaCivita, and grew up both in Norwood and Sarasota, Florida.

While attending Sarasota High School, Leslie trained in the Sarasota Sailor Circus, performing on the trapeze. After graduating from Norwood High School in 1958, Leslie relocated to Essex in 1963, where she raised her children and became an active participant in the community. Leslie began selling real estate in 1977. She is the former owner of Sullivan Company Realtors and continued her profession in real estate throughout the rest of her life.

Leslie spent many years exploring the Connecticut River with friends aboard her antique wooden Lyman, Crab. She was a charter member of the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club, where she was the first woman commodore in 1993.

Leslie had a passion for travel, especially with her children and grandchildren. From the days when they were all very little, Leslie would load up her wagon and lead them all on an adventure. She continued her passion for travel with regular trips to Ogunquit, Maine; Siesta Key, Florida; and Woodstock, Vermont, with her grandchildren.

Leslie is survived by her siblings Lois LaCivita Nixon of Tampa, Florida; Ronald LaCivita of Sarasota, Florida; Phyllis LaCivita of Tampa, Florida; and Beth LaCivita of Tallahassee, Florida; and her four children Frank Jay Sullivan of Farmington; Kari Beth Sullivan of Middletown; Roger Sullivan (Lara) of Moodus; and Eric Sullivan (Michelle) of Ivoryton. In addition to her children, she leaves her five grandchildren: Brittany, Jenna, Madden, Griffin, and Grant.

A memorial service in Leslie's honor will be held at the First Congregational Church of Essex, 6 Methodist Hill, on Friday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions in Leslie's name may be made to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, P.O. Box 804, Essex, CT 06426. To share a memory of Leslie or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. The Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook was in charge of arrangements.