Dennis James SULLIVAN Jr.

1932 - 2014

SULLIVAN

Dennis James Sullivan, Jr. " Dennie" Sullivan, age 82, of Marco Island, Florida passed away on Wednesday, March 5 after a brave battle with cancer. Dennis was born in Jersey City, NJ in 1932 as the youngest of three boys to Dennis and Mary Sullivan. Dennis was a 1953 graduate of Saint Peter's University in New Jersey, and Wharton School of Business in Pennsylvania. He had an extensive career in both military and corporate leadership. Dennis served in the Korean War and retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve as Commander. Sullivan retired from business in 1993 after serving six years as Chief Financial Officer of Cincinnati Bell, Inc. and also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer of two of that company's subsidiaries. Earlier in his career, he held executive Marketing positions at New Jersey Bell, New York Telephone, AT&T, and Ohio Bell and introduced the nation to the first Princess Trimline Phone, Two-Way Conference Calling, and Call Waiting Features. Dennis also served as an Executive Counselor for Dan Pinger Public Relations, from April 1993 to September 2000 and as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Gaylord Entertainment Company from September 2000 to May 2001. He held numerous board positions including Director of International Technegroup Inc., Director Emiritus of Fifth Third Bancorp, Director of Wellpoint Inc., Director of Anthem Insurance, and Kalthoff International's Board of Directors. Dennis was recognized by the Dan Beard Council, Boy Scouts of America with the National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. The award is granted to Eagle Scouts, who after 25 years have distinguished themselves in their life's work by contributions they have made within their community. Dennis was also a devout Catholic and generously supported the Church. One of his proudest accomplishments was recognition received by The Wall Street Journal, The Today Show, CBS This Morning Show, and Maria Shriver's Women In Business Conference for raising all four daughters to be senior corporate executives under his mentorship; two of his girls are CEOs today of Fortune 500 companies. Dennis loved to golf and was a long-standing member of the Cincinnati Country Club. In his final days, Dennis was comforted by his loving and devoted wife Constance ("Connie") of 61 years and four daughters and their spouses: Denise & Tom Morrison of Princeton, NJ; Maggie & Jay Wilderotter of Zephyr Cove, NV; Colleen & Dave Bastkowski of Granite Bay, CA; Andrea & Rob Doelling of Highlands Ranch, CO. He also leaves grandchildren Michelle Chenery of Richmond, VA, Danny Wilderotter of Dallas, TX, Chris Wilderotter of Livermore, CA, and 2 great grandchildren. Dennis was predeceased by his brothers Robert and Richard Sullivan and is survived by sister-in-law Renee Sullivan of Manasquan, NJ. A viewing for family and friends will be held at Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH on Thursday, March 13, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The funeral will take place at St. Gertrude's, 6543 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati (Madeira), OH on Friday, March 14 at 9:30 AM. Graveside service immediately following will be for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society

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