Long-time Fire Island Pines resident Gary Sullivan passed away on May 13 following a lengthy illness. He was 56.

Born in Hartford, Conn., on March 6, 1955, Sullivan was a fabric designer in New York City before he became the maitre d' at the Russian Tea Room, Le Champignon and the Algonquin Hotel.

"He appreciated cabaret and cabaret music and was an aficionado of Broadway musicals and enjoyed showtunes," long-time friend Peter LeVasseur told The News.

Sullivan was literary agent Jay Garon's lover until he passed away in 1995. He lived on Lone Hill Walk for 30 years, and was the Pines' postmaster for three years in the late 1990s. Sullivan also managed the Botel in 2001 and 2002.

In addition to the Pines, Sullivan lived on Central Park West in Manhattan and wintered in Key West and Puerto Rico.

He was also an avid beachcomber who clammed and crabbed in the bay. He also picked blueberries for pies he baked for Alice Thorpe when she was in her 90s.

"It wasn't popular to befriend other people, but he bridged that gulf very willingly," noted LeVasseur. "He always enjoyed speaking with older people in a very youth-based community."

Several dozen family members, friends and Pines residents attended an emotional memorial service for Sullivan on Midway Walk on Saturday, June 11. Attendees drank wine produced from the vines that Sullivan helped to plant on his sister's Washington vineyard.

"Gary just taught me so much about life," said Judy Phelps.

Doreen Katen remembered Sullivan's infectious smile.

"He never walked past [my office] without popping in and saying 'hey'," she said.

LeVasseur further noted Sullivan's best features were his legs. Sullivan was always able to accessorize his wardrobe with a scarf.

LeVasseur noted one of Sullivan's favorite quotes—it's not how many years you have in your life, its how much life you have in your years—sums up Sullivan perfectly.

"He did pack a lot of life in his years," said LeVasseur.