Col. Donald F. Sullivan
1919 - 2010
Col. Donald F. Sullivan
1919 - 2010
Obituary
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Donald Sullivan Obituary
13 May, 1919 - 23 May, 2010
Donald F. Sullivan, longtime resident of Ventura County, celebrated his 91st birthday with family on the 15th of May, fell ill on the 19th while traveling to the East Coast, and died peacefully at home on the 23rd, one day after his 67th wedding anniversary with his beloved Helen.
Colonel Sullivan was born and raised on Staten Island, learned to love the Yankees early, earned an engineering degree from Manhattan College (1940), and joined the Marine Corps after Pearl Harbor. He served in both WWII and the Korean Conflict.
After his war service he joined the Department of Defense at Point Mugu and rose to Technical Director of the Naval Missile Center. He was a graduate of the Harvard University School of Business Management.
Donald was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight of the Oxnard Council #750. Retiring in 1972, "Papa" Sullivan devoted his time to a growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, multiple charities, and travel with his family and friends. He was especially fond of traveling to Europe and Asia with Helen and his brother, Jack, and sister-in-law, Ginny.
Donald is survived by his wife, Helen, of 67 years; sister, Betty of Naples, Fla.; five children: Peter (Marie) of Larkspur, John (Mary Ellen) of Torrance, Donald (Genevieve) of San Francisco, Kathi (Jim) of Ventura, and Betsy (Michael) of La Canada; 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 27 at Reardon's Funeral Home located at 757 E. Main St., Ventura. The Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 28 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church located at 3175 Telegraph Rd., Ventura. The burial services will immediately follow at the Santa Clara Cemetery located at 2370 North H Street in Oxnard. Reception will be held after the interment.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Charities, 303 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, CA 93001-1961, or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 6, 2010
Dear Helen and family,
I was so sorry to hear that your precious Donald had passed away. What a great blessing he was to you all and to my parents, as well. (I'll bet they're having some fun together.) It was always such a great pleasure to visit with "Don and Helen" when I would be visiting my mom and dad. Don was a kick, a light, so funny and kind. He, and you too Helen, just never seemed old to me. Young at heart -- it tis the way to be. Our prayers are with you all. I'll bet you all have a bundle of wonderful memories to hold on to. They'll help you get through these days of sorrow. My prayers are with you. With sympathy and love,
Peggy Borchard Anderson
Susan (Hays)Zacher
May 28, 2010
Dear Peter and Family: you may not remember me, but we went to school together at Santa Clara. I read the obits daily, and saw your fathers name in it. I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a parent, no matter what their age. I will keep you, your family and your dad in my prayers tonight. Your are more than welcome to contact me, I can update you on some of the old time class mates, if you are interested. God Bless You
Jean Olbinski Williams
May 28, 2010
Kathi, Betsy I am so sorry to hear that you've lost your dad. He had an interesting life.
May 27, 2010
Hi Everyone
We're with you in spirit and our prayers and thoughts will hopefully join yours. We'll all miss Donald very much. Love to all - Lee and Al
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Alfredo/Helen Gonzalez
May 26, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are for Helen and Family. It is wonderful knowing you and taking trips to Laughlin and dinners at the Knighhts of Columbus. PGK Al Gonzalez
Alice Jurski
May 26, 2010
Uncle Donald, you will surely be missed. You have touched the lives of many. I know you are in heaven resting peacefully.
Sarah Messecar
May 26, 2010
Kathi, Betsy, and all the Sullivan family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
May 26, 2010
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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