Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home

645 West Central Ave

Winter Haven, Florida

PATRICK SULLIVAN Obituary

PATRICK D. SULLIVAN, M.D.

WINTER HAVEN - Patrick D. Sullivan, M.D. of Winter Haven, Florida passed away on November 24, 2018 at the age of 78.
Dr. Sullivan was born July 19, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to Dr. Donald 'Buzz' and Marie 'Gracie' Sullivan. He graduated high school from Gilmour Academy in Cleveland, Ohio before going on to complete his undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame. Upon graduating in 1961, he went on to complete medical school and his residency at Northwestern University during which time he also completed an internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. After completing his residency, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Sheppard AFB in Texas where he ultimately reached the rank of Major. In 1972, he moved to Winter Haven to become a partner in a private practice as an Orthopedic Surgeon. Ironically, in this practice he met the dedicated office staff that still served with him to this very day. Over the next 46 years, he accomplished many things in both his career and life in the community. At Winter Haven Hospital, where he has been on staff since arriving in town, he served as Chief of Staff, Chairman of Orthopedics, Chairman of the Surgical Section, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Member of the Board of Trustees, and Vice President of Medical-Surgical Affairs. In addition, he also participated in many other medical associations including; American Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, Florida Orthopedic Society, Irish American Orthopedic Society, International Arthroscopy Association, Arthroscopy Association of North America, and was a Fellow with the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He also served the American Cancer Society as a Member of the Board of Trustees and the President of the East Polk County Board of Directors, and was also actively serving as a Member of the Board of Trustees at Weber University. Furthermore, he received a Humanitarian Service Award from WeCare, volunteered at the Harry-Anna Crippled Children's Hospital as part of his Florida Elks Club affiliation, and was also a proud member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus.
Beyond his patients and the community that loved him so dearly, his family will miss him the most. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deborah, his children, Janie and Patrick (Jennifer), and grandchildren, Kara, Laila, and Rylie as well as his siblings Jane Warren, Dr. Donald (Bretta) Sullivan, Kim (James) Ryan, and many nieces and nephews. His family was the most important thing in his life. Whether it was going on family trips or just sitting around and watching Notre Dame Football, he enjoyed spending as much time as he could with them. When he wasn't with his family, you could find him with his friends at the golf course, on the racket ball court, or simply at the local bar having some laughs.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday December 5, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Winter Haven. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to one of the following amazing organizations that provided such compassionate care to him: Good Shepherd Hospice at 105 Arneson Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823 or the Cassidy Cancer Center at 200 Ave F NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Ledger from Nov. 29 to Nov. 30, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for PATRICK SULLIVAN

Not sure what to say?





American Cancer Society

January 7, 2019

On behalf of the American Cancer Society, our condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Sullivan.

Jon Briley

December 8, 2018

I met Dr. Sullivan as a result of a broken arm. It was when he had a practice in bartow next to the old Hospital.I liked him and trusted him after that. He did my arthroscopic on my knee in 1997. He took care of my daughters broken arm and son's broken foot.We all loved him, his quick wit and punch lines of some good jokes.He will be missed. Not many Doctors like him anymore. RIP Pat..

Yau Tong Lien, MD

December 5, 2018

It is so sad to learn Pat's passing. We lost a great colleague and a friend of more than 45 years. He was a good man and good Doctor.
He will be greatly missed.
Our sincere condolences to Debbie and family.

Sean Paul and family

December 4, 2018

I grew up in Harbor Estates where Pat and his wonderful family lived. I have known him since I was knee high. What an amazing person he was! He was always so generous and he sure knew how to make people laugh! He had a positive impact on my life that is still with me today. I will miss him very much. My thoughts and prayers go out to Debbie, Patrick, Janie and his grandchildren. I love you Pat!

James Ryan

December 4, 2018

I could not ask for a better brother in law. I will miss his infectious smile and laugh.
Love you brother.

December 1, 2018

What a tremendous loss for such a fine young man. We can only imagine what respect and love Pat gave to all his family Debbie, Janie, Patrick, his grandchildren and his patients. Pat had this great smile and we will always remember what a caring and generous man Dr. Pat was to everyone. We love the Patrick D. Suilivan family. Larry and Carolyn Doody

JD

November 30, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)

Valerie Kirkland

November 29, 2018

How I am going to miss you!!! You were a very special man and I will always have a special place in my heart for you and Debbie. I love you Dr Sullivan. Thank you for always being so good to me

Gordon Rafool, MD

November 29, 2018

I am saddened by the death of my friend Pat. He was a remarkable doctor and friend. He was an outstanding Christian and humble man. He will be missed in our medical community and in our city. I extend my sincere sympathy to Debbie, Janie, Pat and all of his grandchildren. I have and will continue to pray for all.

Rick Renardson

November 29, 2018

I always enjoyed encounters with Pat Sullivan. His quick wit was matched with a quick and warm smile. He loved practicing medicine and he loved his family. He will be missed. RIP Pat.

L Jones

November 29, 2018

Dr. Sullivan was a humble man with exemplary bedside manner that seems to be lost in today's medical field. He treated his patients and employees like family. He will be truly missed by his Gessler Clinic family.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in PATRICK SULLIVAN's name

Memorial Events
for PATRICK SULLIVAN

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home

645 West Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33880

How to support PATRICK's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor PATRICK SULLIVAN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more