Michael J. Sullivan's Obituary
Michael J. Sullivan Sr., age 91, a resident of Tarpon Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on 11/21/2022, due to a brain bleed that resulted from an accidental fall.
Mike was born on July 4th, 1931 to Michael Joseph Sullivan and Anne Hurley in Chicago, Il. Mike graduated from St. Rita H.S. in 1949, he then attended Harper College to study business for a year.
He served in the US Air Force during the Korean War.
He became a member of the lithographer union after his military service.
In 1955, Mike met Marilyn Jean Kelly at a New Year’s Eve party in Chicago. Mike and Marilyn went on to have three children, Sharon, Michael Jr. and Susan.
In 1965, after several years as a printer, Mike joined the Chicago Fire Department and served the citizens of Chicago honorably for 30 years, receiving the Medal of Valor award while assigned to Air-Sea Rescue. This award is given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger while in the performance of duty.
In 1995, Mike retired from the Chicago Fire Department after 30 years and spent his time with Marilyn traveling and taking cruises, browsing antique shops and doing home projects.
Mike was predeceased by his father Michael Joseph Sullivan and his mother Anne Hurley, his sister Peg Farrell and her husband Jim, his sister Marie Bishop and her husband Earl and his sister Tessie Corcoran and her husband Steve.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years Marilyn Sullivan, and his daughter Sharon Muse, (and her husband Todd), his son Michael Jr. (and his wife Anne Kelly) and his daughter Susan Pertle (and her husband Doug).
Mike is also survived by his four grandchildren, Anna, Steven, Shea and Tara as well as nine great grandchildren.
Mike was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. He loved his sisters' children all of whom fondly refer to him as Uncle Mickey.
Services will be held at Trinity Memorial Gardens on 12/1/2022, the visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. with services to begin at 4:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the EMWQ Retirees, Widow's and Children Fund to support the families of fallen Chicago Firefighters and retirees who need extra help. This is an organization that Mike felt strongly about.
See link below.
https://widowsandchildren.org/
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?