Community to remember motorcycle accident victim at Big House this weekend

WEIRS BEACH — The Big House will host a celebration of life on Sunday afternoon to remember Timothy “TJ” Sullivan, who died last week in the hospital, after being hit while riding his motorcycle last month.

Meghan Doptis, general manager of The Big House, said Sullivan was “everyone’s brother.” He was not only a former employee of The Big House, but also a beloved friend of employees and patrons at the popular establishment. On Sunday, Oct. 19, friends and family members will gather to celebrate Sullivan with a day of food, laughter and music.

Sullivan died at age 62, on Oct. 5, one of three motorcyclists who died in a collision on Lake Shore Road in Gilford on Sept. 20.

Sullivan was the bouncer at The Big House for several years, and a bit of a local legend on Tower Hill. His friends spoke about how he was integral in transforming the Paradise Beach Club into The Big House when it was purchased by Anthony Santagate in 2018. He also frequented The Big House as a patron, where Doptis said he and his friends loved hanging out and enjoying live music.

Doptis said she often saw Sullivan at the restaurant on Sundays. He would go there to relax and listen to some tunes, and this Sunday there will be plenty of that going on. Jackie Lee, along with the Blues Express, are some of Sullivan’s favorite performers who will be playing music throughout the event.

"Sunday afternoons were some of his favorite times to go over and listen to Jackie Lee,” Doptis said. “That’s why we’re doing this on Sunday. It was one of those days where he and friends would all come and enjoy themselves.”

Doptis said those at The Big House would lovingly call it Jackie Jam Day, where musicians from all around would bring along their instruments and jam together. She expects artists like Eric Gagne from Deja Voodoo, as well as a musician who everyone knows simply as “Carl” will be bringing along his harmonica.

“It was always a pickup where people would all play together,” Doptis said. “It’s pretty incredible to see random musicians come on stage and play music together. Some had never even met.”

The celebration of life will be a potluck, and attendees are asked to bring an appetizer, entrée or dessert. “Chef Pierre,” former chef at Tower Hill, will also be grilling up some meats to enjoy. The bar will be open for beverages, as well.

It will also be a fundraising event, with items raffled off throughout the day.

The event is rain or shine, and with good weather will be held outdoors. Those attending the event must be 21 years old or older.

Doptis is expecting a big turnout, saying everyone is excited to celebrate Sullivan together with food, drinks and live music.

The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. at 322 Lakeside Ave. For more information, check Big House -Weirs Beach on Facebook at facebook.com/61550037405301.