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Shawn Sullivan Obituary
Virginia Beach - Shawn E. Sullivan of Jacksonville, Fla. left us on his way home after a beautiful morning of riding the waves on December 1, 2013. Shawn was age 55 when he finished his life's work as a marine engineer, having proudly learned his skills at Maine Maritime Academy. Following graduation, Shawn served in the United States Merchant Marine and traveled the world. He came ashore to devote himself to family life and to serve as a port engineer in Mayport, Fla. Most recently, Shawn worked for Alion Science and Technology. He tended many ships including the USS Gettysburg, USS Taylor, and the USS Sullivan. His hard work, organization, and attention to detail were recognized by everyone with whom he worked. Shawn's achievements were highlighted by his command when he earned the highest award given by the Civil Service and the Golden Wrench Award, which was created to recognize his service. He successfully mentored many young sailors and co-workers in life skills that would long survive their tour of duty.
He drew people to him; your troubles were his. Shawn's friends spanned the country, always finding their way to his home and heart. He was a loyal and dedicated friend, who always made us laugh.
His wife, Vicki K. Sullivan, and daughter, Sabrina S. Sullivan, of Jacksonville, Fla. survive him, as do his mother, Margene Sullivan, his siblings, Ann, Kevin, and Shane Sullivan of Virginia Beach, Va. He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews, Alex Kigerl, Kelly and Brynne Burgess, Lauren and Ashley Sullivan, Nicholas Bellucci, George and Sahara Sullivan, all of whom delighted in their Uncle Shawn.
A service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Eleven22, 14286 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL, followed by a reception. There will be a paddle-out and celebration of Shawn's life on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Wyndham Surf Club Ocean Grille, 5700 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA.
Shawn will be missed by all who knew him. If you wish to honor Shawn with a gift, the family asks that contributions be made to Ocean Conservancy at oceanconservancy.org.
Please visit our online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shawn Sullivan
January 25, 2014
Vicki and family,
Shawn was always there for me, he was the reason I made Master Chief, he nick named me " Gunny" while I served on Gettysburg with Van Strickland, this name was because I was such a hard charger. The song of Luke Bryant "sit here and drink a beer" made me draw to tears tonight as it remeinded me of Shawn. A person of his caliber should never be taken so early, but I'm sure God has his reasons. This Friday I dedicate my retirement to your husband, for HE is the reason I'm where I am today.Thank you for sharing him with us, I MISS HIM. I love that Guy.
January 3, 2014
I was very sad to hear of Shawn's passing away. The world has lost a Great guy. I will miss hanging out at the Blues festival with Shawn. He was always a pleasure to do business with on his A/C issues. My condolences to the Sullivan family. R.I.P Shawn, I hope that there are waves to catch in heaven. Bobby Mckinnon.
Diane Powers
December 15, 2013
So very sorry for your loss Vicki. Sending you and your daughter prayers and Light.
Red sky at night oceanside ca
John Banks
December 14, 2013
To my good friend rip my deepest condolences
To the Sullivan family.
He will be more than missed.
December 13, 2013
Sullivan family,
Shawn meant a lot to me for all the things you already know about him. He made me laugh, mentored me on life and work and shared my pain. He knew my wife, Pat who worked with us too, and often included all in on his jokes. Loved the man and we will miss him dearly. God bless him.
- Fred & Pat Barnabei
marcia ford
December 12, 2013
Vicki. Sabrina. We are all so saddened by the loss of such a wonderful friend. I have worked with Shawn since we were RSG Mayport. I will miss his cheerfulness, his wisdom and kindness. God bless you both and please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Brigette Nelson
December 12, 2013
Vicki- Shawn brought such light to me when I needed a rescue, just like you do and have since the minute you both walked into my life. The soul of a poet and a friend to all. I will miss him. Love and grace to you and Sabrina. You are in my prayers.
Brad Stetson
December 12, 2013
Vicki and Sabrina,
I am so, so sorry. My heart goes out to you. Shawn loved you both so much and bragged about you so often.
I met Shawn about 6 years ago surfing at Mayport. We kept in contact and had lots of great surf sessions together, as well as discussions about our families. I rode his Robert August longboard for about a month, a few years ago.
Shawn was a great guy , a great paddler, and a great surfer (long and short board). He always got tons of good rides.
My prayers are with all of Shawn's loved ones.
I loved him, too,
Brad Stetson.
H. Mac
December 12, 2013
I knew him at Maine Maritime, and as a fellow port engineer for the Navy. A good and honorable man.
Friends in Rota Spain
December 12, 2013
Vicki and Sabrina,
Please accept our condolences for the unexpected passing of your beloved husband and father and our dear friend who will always be remembered and close to our hearts.
Friends from Detachment Rota Spain,
Bob George, Louie Burgos, Ezra Mead, Jeff Ranck, Stacey Morgan, Dave Phillips, Mark Holden, Tom Watt and Dan Hengerer
Kathy (Parsons) McCartney
December 12, 2013
Vicki, I am sadden to hear of your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you.Hold on to your memories as they keep your beloved husband in your heart forever.
Robin & Harry Hudgins Horne
December 10, 2013
Vicki, Kevin, Shane & family, you are in our prayers and he will be watching over you all. Love & blessings sincerely.
Asa, Lorri Higgs
December 10, 2013
To all of the family Sabrina, Vicki, Kevin, Shane, Anne and Mom. We loved Shawn, not just as a neighbor or a play mate for Kathryn but for the person he was. Kind,hard working, fun loving, and above all family was the most important to him. We have had you all in our prayers and will continue to. Deepest regret for too soon gone. Memories will live on and Shawn's life s examples will ever be our guide. God speed friend.
Mike, Barbara Kraft
December 9, 2013
You were such a Bright life, so funny and will be emensly missed. Prayers with Vicky, Sabrina and family, our hearts are with you.
Belvelyn Williams
December 9, 2013
Vicki, Sabrina, Mom, family and friends, during this difficult time I hope the memories of Shawn will be of much comfort to you. At work, we're comforting one another with stories of Shawn. I'm thankful Shawn willingly shared his technical expertise and used his leadership ability to mentor many of us. He treated everyone like a friend. I will cherish my memories of him.
Gordon MacArthur
December 8, 2013
It can truly be said the world was made a better place by Shawn's all too brief life in it. After many years not seeing him, I delighted in catching up only last year when he and the family were visiting VB for the holidays. My heart sank when learning of his passing. Deepest sympathies and much love to all his family and countless friends. Be at peace soul surfer. Aloha, Gordon
Russell Diggs
December 8, 2013
Shane,
Sorry for the loss of your brother. He was well loved...
Suzi Sheehan
December 8, 2013
May cherished memories burn forever in our lives.
Suzi and Jim Sheehan
December 8, 2013
To all the Sullivan families, our deepest sympathy and prayers. Shawn will forever be surfing in your hearts now. Much Love.
Bill Ticer
December 8, 2013
My heart is just broken after learning of the passing of my dear friend Shawn, I will be unable to attend the service, away on the ship but I will certainly be thinking of my pal! Vic if you or Sabrina need anything you just let me know!
So Sorry!
Bill Ticer
The Potter Family
December 8, 2013
Our hearts and prayers go out to Vicki, Sabrina, and the rest of Shawns family. We will all loved and will miss our Crazy Uncle Shawn.
Bernie Kirsch
December 8, 2013
Ann, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. Your brother left us way to soon. He was a character, obviously loved by many.
Janet Hastings
December 7, 2013
Margene, Ann, Kevin, Shane, Vicki & Sabrina and family...My heart breaks for you as you mourn Shawn's passing. I pray that you will find comfort in your faith, family, friends and special memories of your son, brother, husband & dad. I have to believe that he is rejoicing, laughing & telling jokes with George, his Grandma Sullivan, Aunt Kay, my folks & others in heaven. I love you.
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