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Philip Sullivan Obituary
Phil passed away peacefully despite a heartfelt battle following life-saving surgery. His family is grateful for the extra time with him.
Written by Himself: Phil loved his family, justice, art, literature, music, dry fly fishing, students, friendly cats and held a special sacred place for dogs.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1927, he went to school in Lakewood, Ohio, and in California at St. Mary's College, U.C. Berkeley, and University of Southern California (Ph.D.).
He taught at East Los Angeles College, California State University at Fullerton, and the University of Utah.
He belonged to the Congress of Racial Equality, Non-Violent Action Committee, and the American Civil Liberties Union. He was an officer of the Utah and National Councils of Teachers of English, Salt Lake Rape Crisis Center, and Utah Association of Academic Professionals.
He was a founding member of the Salt Lake Neighborhood Housing Service, the Open Classroom and the U. of U. Gay and Lesbian Student Union.
He is survived by his wife, Marianna; daughters Caitlin and Lesa; son Dana; daughters-in-law Vicki and Ann; grandson Kyle; and sisters Mary and Jane.
"And gladly would he learn and gladly teach." Chaucer
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Sullivan
Larry N. Ficks
July 13, 2025
I'm 81 now and in my constant memories of all the people who influenced and shared and laughed and mentored me it was Phil! He taught me patience, Humility, how to write, to question-knowing I would probably not find the answers, To see into the hearts of my students, not their heads. to always have a cat in my life, to laugh at and with life, to teach the real history of pain of this country knowing others would resent the process. A man of many consistent inconsistencies who I dearly loved! I have taken so long to write this-11 years. My model of being an imperfect man! Thank you! Thank you!
Larry Ficks
LDR
November 7, 2022
I miss you friend. Every time I sit to write, I think of you. I revisit your scribbled comments on yellowed papers from years ago; still kept, cherished, and my "Ticket of Admission" to Myth and Self, dripping with arrogance. Oh how you awakened me! Truly, "All paths lead nowhere. Take the one with heart."
I'm no hero but I'm still searching for the path. Thank you dear Phil.
Jill Kelsey Merritt
September 25, 2022
Yes, even now I think of Phil often and feel grateful for his lovely, funny presence in my life.
Clint Gardner
December 6, 2014
Phil was the best teacher I've ever had in my life. The world is a far better place because of him.
Molly Fowler
October 25, 2014
I was a seven sisters school drop out who landed in Utah. I thought I knew everything, and wandered into Phil's class. He was barefoot, he had his dog at his feet, he talked of his daughter Lisa "in whom he was well proud" and challenged us to find the source of his quote. After class I approached him with the answer (this was, of course, before Google) and he told me "I was the shining example of illiteracy in the university" and said his door was open if I wanted to do something about it. Full of arrogance and pride, I cursed him and swore I'd never take a single class of his again. The next day I returned to class and stayed for a series of tutorials. The lessons he taught me over the next years have remained. Mostly he instilled in me a passion I might never have found. I think of you every day Phil -- as I watch my daughters struggle to write long messy sentences and I remind them that short ones are far easier to make elegant. I loved you dearly and send my best to yours. How lucky we all are to have known him.
Marty Williams
October 23, 2014
The world has lost one of its most wonderful & loving leprechauns. I feel blessed to have known Phil & his wife Marianna and send her & Phil's children my condolences for their loss. Perhaps Phil and my late husband, Chuck, who loved Phil as I did, will now have a chance to resume their exchanges of witticisms, ideas and belly laughs as they did in years past...
Julie Sobchack
October 13, 2014
Phil had a profound effect on my life, helping me find my way to a destination I hadn't even seen; but he did. His name is in unnumbered minds, and anyone privileged to have him for a teacher will never forget him. Phil is truly one of the Immortals. I hope the peace that was at the center of his heart will encompass his family with its immense solace.
Joanne Darke
October 8, 2014
Dr. Sullivan was my favorite professor when I was an English major at the U in the 1970's. Like an earlier poster, I have also kept papers which I wrote for his courses. His comments were so helpful and meaningful to me. He was a generous and caring teacher who encouraged his students to think. I am not at all surprised to see that he was involved in so many social justice issues; that is the Phil Sullivan that I remember.
Michele Margetts
October 7, 2014
Dear Marianna,
I was so very sorry to hear of Phil's passing. I was hard pressed just now not to call him Dr. Sullivan, for so I first knew him back in the '70s when with such timidity I took Intro to Shakespeare from him at the U. I was utterly delighted to reconnect with him and to meet you when the two of you joined the Emeriti Club tour to Eastern Europe in 2002 and I have enjoyed my admittedly sporadic correspondence with Phil since that time--his enthusiasms and his reminiscences both! Dear man! That he approved of the sonnet I wrote at the time my mother died meant a great deal to me. My heart is with you at this time as you learn to say good-bye.
October 7, 2014
Good bye my friend; I hope you'll find an unspoiled trout stream at your destination. And it's okay if you keep its location secret.
Randy Wright
Steve Smith
October 6, 2014
Phil was my favorite professor at the U back in the mid-1970s, and he helped train me to be a high school English teacher. When I later became a college professor, I used some of his tricks of the trade. His love of literature was inspiring; his sense of humor was infectious. Adios, Phil.
October 5, 2014
Above all, Phil always managed to be a real human being.
Stephen Ruffus
Jeff Metcalf
October 3, 2014
For the last twenty five years I would receive a card from Phil when I was ready to throw in the towel and say something so outrageous to the administration that I would be fired. And then there would be a postcard from Phil saying something like "Metcalf, I've written to Obama nominating you for the Czar of Education. Confirmation to come soon." Today I will go fly fishing to the last spot we fished together. I will catch a trout on a dry, kiss it and release it into the deep in Phil's name. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us all these years. Jeff Metcalf
Jill Merritt
October 2, 2014
Phil is in my heart always. I loved his laugh. Such a generous teacher and kind man. Much love to Marianna and family.
Tricia Dunn
October 2, 2014
Best teacher ever.
Michael Waters
October 1, 2014
Best teacher I ever knew. I still learn from the time I spent with you. Thank you Phil.
Bill Rice
October 1, 2014
Phil was one of my most inspiring professors. He enthusiastically encouraged me to think outside the box; to dare to feel and explore; to be open to new adventures. For that I will always be grateful to him. Here's to your new adventures, Phil!
September 30, 2014
Phil once said to me that "teaching was the hardest thing to do in the world besides love. And love is teaching." That quote has carried me through teaching, being a vice-principal, and a principal. The world is sadder without him. Love to you all. We will miss a great teacher!
Adam Carroll
September 30, 2014
I will always remember playing poker with Phil -- when I was in grade school. It was a lesson on probability, or maybe he was just handling the goofballs for the day! Loved him and his wit. Thinking of your family and sending good thoughts.
Kurt Schulder
September 30, 2014
Phil was one of the finest teachers in my life. I am still influenced by the ideas he expressed in his literature classes, and still have the papers that I wrote for those classes. My condolences to the family.
Lynn Abajian
September 30, 2014
Lesa and Sullivan family,
Dave and I are saddened by the loss you have suffered. It is an awful thing to loss someone so dear and loved. He had a good life with a wonderful family. May the dreams that come be of happy times.
James Taylor
September 30, 2014
Phillip Edward Sullivan is a man I never met but to whom I am deeply grateful for fathering and loving Lesa Sullivan-Abajian.
Bonnie Fox
September 30, 2014
He would hate this -- my tears won't let me speak. I must say -- for an English professor he was patient when I, Mormon that I am, became wordless with feeling. I need to be there -- it is not enough to say that my heart goes out to you and your mom. I will see what I can do. And poetry -- I'll track down some poetry to post. Meanwhile, much love -- as always -- Bonnie the Fox
Liz W.
September 30, 2014
Dr. Sullivan was my favorite professor in the English Department at the University of Utah. It was a privilege to be one of his students.
ellen Mitchell
September 30, 2014
Lesa and Family, I loved Phil Sullivan. He was a friend, a teacher, a mentor and a tremendously humorous and wise man. I have far too many memories to write them here. Suffice it to say, I am glad that I knew him. He made my life so much better. Thanks Phil, may you rest in peace until we meet, drink tea, and smoke together.
Allie Diamond
September 30, 2014
Lesa,
Words are insufficient in expressing my sadness at the loss of your beloved father. As you know, I fondly remember the times spent at your home as a teenager and visiting with Phil and Marianna was a great part of that. I knew your father was a wonderful man, but reading this tribute shows just how far ahead of his time he truly was. I had no idea how many huge contributions he made to promoting education, justice, safety and equality to the members of our community. He left an amazing legacy.
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