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John SULLIVAN Obituary

NEWPORT NEWS - John Joseph Sullivan, 88, husband, stepfather, grandfather, uncle and friend, died peacefully at his home and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010.
John was born in Drayton, N.D., Dec. 20, 1921, eldest child and only son of Sarah Bertha Collins and Francis Butler Sullivan. From ages 6 to 16, John attended school in Berlin, N.D. He graduated from Crosier College and St. John's University, and earned his master's degree from George Washington University. He proudly served his country and church in the U. S. Army, retiring as a Colonel and settling in Newport News. He continued working as Director of Student Activities at Christopher Newport College and retired from the state. John then attained his automobile inspection license and worked at Montgomery Ward, part-time for 10 years, choosing again to retire at age 74. John was a faithful member of St. Jerome's Catholic Church. His favorite pastimes were playing poker with his friends, woodworking and visiting with friends and his family, both here and in North Dakota.
John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dorothy M. Sullivan; stepdaughters, Debra Helm (Carson), Theresa Bonaguidi Powell (Al); and treasured grandson, Trevor John Powell, all of Newport News; along with his sisters, Mary Kay Gorman (Steve), Pat Phillipp, Gerry Schoener (Bob) , all of Fargo, N.D.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; mother; sister, Imogene Fitzpatrick and her husband, Jim; and brother-in-law, Art Phillipp.
Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Graveside services, with full military honors, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, at Peninsula Memorial Park, officiated by Father Henry Diesta.
In lieu of flowers, prayers for the family both here and in Fargo, N.D., are requested.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press from Sep. 21 to Sep. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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jeremy galloway

September 23, 2010

Mrs. Sullivan and family,
Brenda, Tiffany and I are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Sullivan was a fine man! The first time I spoke with Mr. Sullivan when he hired us, he told me the only reason he considered hiring us was because Tiffany was with me that day in the stroller. He spoke at that time of Trevor and how great it was having a "sidekick". Mr. Sullivan loved kids and had a heart of gold. I spoke with him once about how I thought it would be great if the school systems would allow Military Veterans to talk about thier time in the services. Mr. Sullivan said he thought it was a great idea but he could never do it. He was afraid of scaring the kids. He was just a really great guy and so extremely young at heart with a great sense of humor. Truly a great loss. Trevor, YOUR GRANDPA LOVED YOU VERY MUCH. He always bragged about you with the utmost pride!
Jeremy, Brenda, and Tiffany

September 22, 2010

Our group of Seniors from the Anderson Field House Pool, are sorry to hear of the Loss of John, he has been missed at the pool where he would join us on Mon, Wed and Fri. up until a few years ago. Our Prayer will be with his family. Celebrate his life he was a very special gentleman.

Jon Williams

September 22, 2010

Theresa and family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Celebrate his life and rejoice in knowing that he is in the presence of God.

Stephanie Mosca Bolden

September 22, 2010

I am terribly saddened by the loss of Mr. Sullivan. I worked with him at the Campus Center at CNC. He was a very special man. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to his family.

Trevor powell

September 21, 2010

Thank you for all your prays.

Al Powell, Sr.

September 21, 2010

Dear Dot, Theresa, Deborah,Al, Carson, and Trevor:

No greater accolade can be placed beside a man's name than to be referred to as a "Gentleman". In the time I have known John I have known him to be a true gentleman. The greatness of a man will be within the memories in the hearts of his family and friends he leaves on this earth. God has called home in His presence beloved John, and though we will miss John, we trust him to God's care. Please accept the condolences of Marie and me.

Marcella Steve's Steakhouse

September 21, 2010

Mrs. Sullivan, Debbie and Theresa:

So sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayer and thoughts are with you. He will be deeply missed, however we know he's with Artie and Artie is begging him for that ring right about now!

We love you and we are here for you.

All our love,

Marcella, Tommy, Steve and Steve's Steakhouse staff

Toni Lolos

September 21, 2010

Please accept our deepest sympathy we will miss him dearly .Make sure you tell my Artie about his ring! We all love u JOHN may you rest in peace! From all your friends at ARTIE & TONIS!

Michael D. Feldman

September 21, 2010

Mrs. Sullivan, Debbie, and Theresa:

I am sorry to read of the passing of John. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Your family was a true treasure for my parents and they indeed treasured your friendship and love.

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Funeral services provided by:

Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory

11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601

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