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Roger Michael Sullivan

1926 - 2016

Roger Michael Sullivan obituary, 1926-2016, Long Beach, CA

BORN

1926

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Smith Salsbury Funeral Directors

4220 South Sepulveda Blvd

Culver City, California

Roger Sullivan Obituary

October 27, 1926 - November 28, 2016 Roger Michael Sullivan, a Los Angeles native who raised his family in Santa Monica, and spent his final years in Alamitos Bay, passed away on November 28 surrounded by his family. Roger attended St. Paul School, Loyola High School, and attended Occidental College as part of the Navy V-5 program. He received his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1947 and proudly served in the Navy Reserves. He earned his B.A. at Loyola University and in 1952 earned his J.D. at Loyola Law School. Roger, a devoted husband and father, enjoyed golf, sailing, camping, the annual Baja trip and a lifelong love of Catalina Island. He started his legal career as an attorney with the Pacific Electric Railway Company. Five years later he began the firm that became Sullivan, Workman & Dee with his lifelong friend Henry Workman. In 1959, Roger met Jayne Colgan a TWA flight attendant in Manhattan Beach whom he married and spent 56 loving years. At Loyola Law School, Roger co-founded the St. Thomas Moore Law Society and later co-founded its larger law society with the Los Angeles Archdiocese which celebrates the annual Red Mass. He was a member of the American Bar Association (former chairman, condemnation committee, real property section), Los Angeles Bar Association (chairman 1970), and received the Loyola Law School Distinguished Alumni Award in 1989. He was chairman of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, president of both Serra International (Los Angeles) and the local Right to Life League, and member of the Ecumenical Commission of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He served on the boards of Catholic Charities, St. John of God Care Center, and the charitable group, Angels Flight. Roger was a long-time member of the Marymount High School board, where all five daughters graduated, he was also an active member of the Father's Club at Loyola High School where his only son Michael attended. He was chairman of the Board of Regents of Loyola Marymount University and chairman of the Board of Visitors of Loyola Law School. He was named a Papal Knight of Malta in 1988, and was later appointed to the Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory by Pope John Paul II. In 1996, he received the Archdiocese Cardinal's Award for his service to the community. A highlight of his legal career as an eminent domain attorney was his newsmaking front-page representation of the Gherini family. In 1999 a federal jury awarded in their favor after the National Park Service seized control of the Gherini's 6,300 acres of Santa Cruz Island. Roger is survived by his wife Jayne, sister Patricia Jones, five daughters, Kathleen (Kevin) McLaughlin, Theresa (Joseph) Harris, Maureen Sullivan, Mary (Richard) Gallivan, Carolyn Sullivan, and, son, Michael (Marybeth); 14 grandchildren: Erin, Patrick, Brigid, Helen, Terence, George, Riley, Seamus, Annie, Conor, Kieran, Tucker, Emma and Jack. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Catholic Charities, Loyola High School, and the Sisters of Social Service. The Funeral Mass celebrating his 90 years of life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 10 at St. Monica Catholic Church, 701 California Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403. Gates, Kingsley, Gates, Culver City (310) 837-7121.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Dec. 4 to Dec. 5, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Thank you for all of your help and support Mr. Sullivan. For all of us you were a great MENTOR, Boss, and Friend. We have very nice memories of your great way that you talked to us (Ricardo, Luis, and Alex).

All of our love and sympathy for the Sullivan Family. Thank you Mr. Roger Sullivan. For sure you are beside our Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven.

Ricardo & Clarissa Monterrosa
Luis Galvez
Alexander Velasquez
Los Angeles, Dec 9, 2016

Ricardo Monterrosa

December 9, 2016

Jayne and Children, I was so sorry to hear of Roger's death. I remember meeting him for the first time when you, Jayne, brought him to our house to introduce us to your fiance!

Wonderful memories of my cousin Jayne with her husband and children!

There is no doubt in my mind that Roger is bathing in the glory of Our Lord in Heaven along with members of his family and ours!

My prayers will be with all of you during this time and the coming months.

Much love, ruth

Ruth Lundbeck

December 6, 2016

all of my love and sympathy go to you and your family over your
loss. i will never forget being the altar boy at your wedding at
St Marks...love you cousin Jaynie...
Eddie

Ed O

December 5, 2016

Roger was a friend and a valued colleague who put me on the map, professionally speaking. He was a class act -- always a gentleman of the old school. We won't see the likes of him again, and I shall miss him.

Gideon Kanner

Gideon Kanner

December 5, 2016

a loved one

December 5, 2016

May God's light shine warmly upon the Sullivan Family and may Roger rest in peace. What an incredible man!
Our Sincere Condolences,
Maria and Stan Jones and Family

Maria Jones

December 5, 2016

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Memorial Events
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Dec

10

Funeral Mass

10:30 a.m.

St. Monica Catholic Church

701 California Avenue, Santa Monica, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Smith Salsbury Funeral Directors

4220 South Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

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