The WBZ talk-show host and Lowell Sun columnist died yesterday (WBZ 's story).

Spatch sighs and recalls both Sully and David Brudnoy:

... They knew how to make a talk show entertaining without forcing it into ad hoc hostility, strawmen arguments, dittohead parroting, or just outright bashing and in an industry where notoriety and public exposure seems to be mostly based on how annoying one can be, they were class acts. WBZ knows how to pick their on-air personalities, for sure, but we're all the worse for the loss of Paul Sullivan.

Dan Kennedy rounds up media comments and adds:

... I did not know Sully well, but his demeanor was such that you would think you'd known him your entire life. Every so often he'd call me out of the blue and ask whether I could come on his show to talk about a media topic. It was always a welcome invitation. Sully's style - like that of the late David Brudnoy, whom he replaced in 2004 - was to let you have your say, but at the same time to challenge you if he thought you were laying it on a little thick. ...

Scott Allen Miller: May his memory be eternal.

Radio-Info discussion.

Through WBZ, Paul Sullivan's family has released a statement on his battle with cancer:

... At this point we have decided to end medical treatments for Paul's cancer and focus on his comfort and quality of life. He will be in the hospital for the foreseeable future receiving hospice care. We feel he will be most comfortable here at Saint's Memorial Medical Center in Lowell, the city where he spent so much of his life.

Paul is surrounded by his family and friends and would like everyone to know how important all the thoughts and prayers have been to him.

Jessica Heslam was there last night:

... After the tribute, Sullivan's colleagues, friends and family lined the station's long corridor and applauded Sullivan as he and his wife left arm-in-arm.

Cites ongoing battle with melanoma.