John-O'Sullivan-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint

John Patrick O'Sullivan

Grand Blanc, Michigan

1936 - 2016

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DIED
May 7, 2016
LOCATION
Grand Blanc, Michigan

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Swartz Funeral Home - Flint Obituary


O’SULLIVAN, John Patrick – Of Grand Blanc, age 80, died Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Brookdale of Grand Blanc.



Visitation Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. A Rosary will be prayed at 7 pm Thursday evening at the funeral home. Visitation at 9:30 am at Holy Family Church until the time of the Mass.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Friday, May 13, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11804 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439.  Burial in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 25800 W. 10 Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan 48033 at 1pm Saturday, May 14, 2016.



In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Catholic Charities of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties.



John was born in Detroit, on March 15, 1936, the son of the late Jeremiah and Margaret O’Sullivan. John married Joan Zammit on May 9, 1964 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Detroit.  He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.  John was a charter member of Legatus, an organization of Catholic business leaders.  He was a long-time supporter of the Sullivan and O’Sullivan Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  He was also a member of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association and the National Beer Wholesalers Association. John enjoyed running his business, was an avid antique and classic car collector and spending time with his grandchildren.



John graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School in Detroit, and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit and a Masters of Business Administration from Wayne State University. He received an honorary Doctorate of Law degree from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire in honor of his charitable contributions to the community.



John was perhaps best known as the President and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing, Inc., a beer distributor celebrating its fortieth anniversary in business this year. John started his career in the beer business at Stroh’s Brewery in Detroit, Michigan.  He purchased the former Moyer Beverage in January 1976, a Stroh’s and Miller Brewing distributor located in Flint, Michigan.  The company was named Sullivan and O’Sullivan, Inc., and later renamed John P. O’Sullivan Distributing, Inc.  Today, the company distributes throughout seven counties in mid-Michigan.



Surviving are wife, Joan; daughter, Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler and husband Sean of Grand Blanc; three grandchildren, Ava Siobhan, John Patrick and Alexandra Grace Anne; sisters Maureen and husband Edward Pawlak and Winifred Jones; and brother Patrick and wife Patricia O’Sullivan.



 



 


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Thoughts and Prayers, John P. OSullivan was Larger Than Life. A Family Man, Full Of Fun, And Laughter Always! Miss You. May God Bless Don Solomon

No words could ever describe the joy, laughter, love and friendship shared between my Dad, John Reilly, and his best friend "John O". I truly loved him and saw how my Dad's face lit up every time he talked to John or even mentioned his name as he sometimes referred to him as the "O". The laughter and funny stories they shared were beyond this world. I still remember playing with little Joanie as a child in our Farmington Basement. And how much Joan and John cherished her and all of their...

With Deepest Sympathy. A Friend For Over 40Years , Family Man, Fun, Laughter, Happy Go Lucky. He Epitomized The American Dream!! A True Winner, Larger Than Life,We Spoke Often Almost Everyday! And His Legacy Continues Still Today !! Your Friend Solomon

Dear Joan and Family ,

Our condolences on your loss. John was one of kind and we will miss his laugh, sense of humor and most of all his kindness.

Sincerely,
Ron Povlich & Dale Ross

Joan & Joanie
I'm o sorry to learn of John's passing.He was a great friend to me and our family. I shall always remember the many adventures we shared especially those car related. John, Skaff and I were a special group I will sadly miss.































GOD grant you peace and love
Jeff Stork


We are sorry to hear of John's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Peace of Jesus be with your whole family. AOH member Dave & Sally Daugherty

Joan-So sorry for your loss. I spent a number of years working with John at Stroh's. Always enjoyed his laughter.

To Joan and Family. I Will miss Johns smiling face and talking with both of you. My condolence to Joan & the Family. Rich from Paneras.