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FUNERAL HOME

Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery

7900 East Main Street

Mesa, Arizona

Kevin Sullivan Obituary

Sullivan, Kevin
Kevin Sullivan, 52, of Mesa, AZ passed away October 18, 2009 in Mesa, AZ. Mr. Sullivan a manager at Honeywell was born in Berwyn, IL. Survivors include his wife Kathryn, daughter Laura and son Michael. There will be visitations Wednesday October 21, 2009 from 3-8:00 pm and Thursday October 22, 2009 from 9-10:00 am with Catholic services being held at 10:00 am Thursday October 22, all events will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (www.wspa-usa.org). Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home (480-832-2850).

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

Published by The Arizona Republic on Oct. 21, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Sullivan

52 Entries

Brian Sauvage

December 7, 2023

I was one of the Irish contingent that Kevin took under his wing. Lived him to bits. Such a wonderful warm hearted man. Loved his family, his friends and his football. He made me laugh so much. One of the good guys. I think of him fondly and often

Jim Lonsdale

October 26, 2019

Today happens to be the birthday of the pro wrestler who shares Kevin's name ... so I was drawn here. I did not know Kevin long, but I am glad I got to know him. He played a mean game of basketball and was a good guy to know.

Brian Sauvage

August 24, 2015

I returned to Ireland some years ago having lived in Phoenix for some years. Kevin took us under his wing (having first Crocked us) and invited us to play for Nellos. He was the most politically incorrect kind hearted man I have ever met and I am deeply saddened that his smile and humour and generosity has left this earth. My condolences to his family

paul lee

October 24, 2014

Puccia and I were talking about the Blarney Stone days and were laughing the other night over a few pints. Great memories and you were in all of them. Rest in peace my friend.

Miguel Orpinel

May 2, 2013

Hey Kevin, we were having a laugh about some of your crazy jokes... man do we miss you! ...just wanted to tell you that will always be remembered.

Paul Lee

March 20, 2013

Just thinking of you and the laughs we used to have. Rest in peace - never forgotten!

October 3, 2011

Not a day goes by where I don't think of you Sully. I miss you so much and wish you were here to talk to. You always had the best advice, even when it wasn't what I wanted to hear. I'm still listening if you are.

1982 - Record Breaking Morton West Freshman Soccer - The Kings Of Chicago, thanks to Coach Sully

Joe Kalina

May 16, 2011

January 24, 2010

It is just another day of missing my brother.
We had a special closeness. I love you Kevin and will miss you forever! Love,
Ann

Andrew Savilia

November 10, 2009

I loved reffing Kevin's team. They were so disciplined and worked hard a validation of his character and his ability to groom young men. When he voiced an opinion it always had merit and made me think as a referee and was always done in a classy way. As a ref I remember meeting him for the first time.. so understated and honest he never tried to use his standing in the soccer community to make himself more than he was..he was really a humble guy...and the guy could flat out play loved reffing his adult league games...and he was tough that irish bulldog toughness and that wit..I remember laughing out loud in the middle of some of the games he coached and I reffed...his time here was too short and he will be missed

Kelly Bennett

November 2, 2009

I worked with Sullyman throughout most of the 1990's at AlliedSignal. Talk about a guy who really knew how to make the best out of even the worst situation! He made work fun and no matter how stressful things got, he seemed to always have a smile on his face.

My heart goes out to Kathy, Michael & Laura and the rest of his family. May the spirit of the Lord keep you in peace and the wonderful memories of Kevin make you laugh and smile always.

With deep sympathy,

Adam Roose

November 1, 2009

I had the honor of playing for Sully my senior year of high school at Mountain View in the 2006-2007 season. I can honestly say that Coach Sully's love for the game and willingness to teach his players is what got me on the team that year. I was injured during the actual tryouts but I spoke to Sully and explained my situation and he allowed me to come out and practice with the team when I was better. He saw how hard I tried and how much I wanted to play and decided to give me a shot. I started off the season pretty terrible and I have a feeling he was probably regretting his decision to give me a shot but over the course of the season he continued to work with me and teach me all he knew about the game. Turned out that I ended up starting the last few games of the year. I know that only happened because of how much Sully cared about his players; he never quit on us and taught us to love the game as much as he did. I will never forget that season especially Sully's jokes and personality and how fun practice was when he was around. The best coach I have ever had, he will be greatly missed.

October 29, 2009

I NEED TO SIGN THIS GUEST BOOK AND SAY, "KEVIN, I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL. THERE WAS NOTHING YOU WOULDN'T DO FOR ME AND MY HEART IS BROKEN WITHOUT YOU. I KNOW YOU FINISHED YOUR WORK HERE AND NOW YOU ARE IN HEAVEN (PROBABLY PLAYING SOCCER!). NO WAY ARE YOU NOT THE HEAD ANGEL CALLING THE SHOTS. I HOPE THAT I WILL MAKE YOU PROUD OF WHATEVER I AM LEFT HERE TO DO. YOU GAVE ME THE MOST BEAUTIFUL KIDS IN THE WORLD. THE KIDS AND I WILL BE FINE EVENTUALLY BUT RIGHT NOW WE MISS YOU TERRIBLY. WE WILL TRY AND MOVE ON AND CHERISH EACH MEMORY WITH YOU. I MIGHT EVEN BECOME A LIVERPOOL FAN NOW....GO FIGURE. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU MY SULLY. LOVE, YOUR WIFE OF 27 1/2 YEARS, KATHRYN MARIE (YOUR KATIE)
P.S. For those of you that did not know there is a website I set up WWW.CARINGBRIDGE.ORG/VISIT/COACHSULLY.
He was so popular, with over 22,000 hits on the website. Feel free to visit. Thank you everyone for all you gave him.
Also, I'd love the person who posted the work picture of him to send me a copy. The one in the green shirt. He looked so cute.

Kathryn Sullivan

October 29, 2009

October 27, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr0zgY-5TrI
4HIMS'S; "Measure Of A Man".
These lyrics describe Kevin Sullivan to a "T". A wonderful Man with Integrity & Character. Please check out the link (above).

Wade Understiller

October 26, 2009

I coached with Kevin for Mesa Soccer Club. Kevin was not only a friend to me, but to all those he came in touch with. He had not only a passion for the game, but a passion to pass on all that he knew. He cared for the boys. We always considered them our boys. He not only was a great coach, but a great person. I will miss him, but will always remember the years of coaching together. The fun was had. The time we shared.

Julie Howard

October 24, 2009

I worked for Kevin at Allied Signal Engines in the late 90's. Kevin was the quintessential coach and you could see that in his management style. He brought a lot of character to a work environment that was often high-stress. He will be missed by his colleagues and friends.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn their loss.

Jim Belanger

October 24, 2009

Walt Whitman wrote that God only promotes brave and perfect soldiers. Like a lot of people I knew Kevin Sullivan through soccer. We met in the 80's and eventually he conscripted me, and several others, to play with him for Nello's Pizza. We did for the next 8 or 9 years. And, although we played for Nello's, every one of us knew we played for Sully. He was a walking contradiction and, if you played with or against him, you know what I mean. He was rip-roaring and in your face, yet at the same time he was the sweetest and most loyal and loving friend a person could have. I can never even think about a Nello's Pizza without thinking about Sully, much less go eat in one. If I ever get to heaven, and Sully's there, and he has a team, I hope to God I'm on it, and better yet to be in his starting 11, because there was no better person in the world to have on your team on a soccer field or anywhere else in life. My best to Kevin's family. Godspeed Kevin, and see what you can do up there about Liverpool. With love, respect, and affection. You are a brave and perfect soldier.

October 23, 2009

~"Won't you run, fly open up your lungs tonight, breathe freedom for the first time in your life. Your not quite Home yet." ~

Kevin,you will be sorely missed.Your life was not lived in vain. You are free from pain now.Soar like the wind. We will feel your spirit all around us.
May God Bless, Kathy, Michael & Laura

Russ Mason

October 23, 2009

I met Kevin way back when we both played soccer for Arizona State in the late 1970's. We also played together later in local club teams. He always wanted to win no matter what and would never give up. He loved the sport to the end. I will miss you Sully, soccer will miss you.

Eric Reingen

October 23, 2009

We have truly lost a great coach, but an even better friend. I’ll never forget playing the “bag” game, or softball Wednesday’s, or the time he took to make me a better player. There is no doubt Sully shaped the person I am today, and no doubt a piece of him is with every player he has ever coached.

I love you Sully. You will be missed.

Ahkil Jackson

October 23, 2009

I love you sully, and will miss you dearly.

Tom Bannos

October 23, 2009

Kathy, Michael and Laura,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Although I only met you once when I stayed with you during a business trip to Arizona years ago, Kevin had always kept me up to date during our yearly St. Patrick's Day telephone call in which he usually initiated. I know soccer has been such a love in his life, that we shared playing in the 70's. I was his assist man at Proviso West HS on his run to his being named to the ILL All State Team. This made us all so proud as he was the first in our school's history and his picture is still on display at the school. We played pickup games year round and together in the summers after HS for the team we founded and ran- The Sons of Apollo. He had a wonderful but short life and touch so many through his love of sports and soccer in particular. His great competitive spirit, toughness and sense of humor was an inspiration to so many people throughout the years. Eternal be his memory, eternal be his rest.
Your friend in NJ,
Tom Bannos

Barb Dawes and family

October 22, 2009

To Kathy, Michael and Laura:

I was deeply saddened to read about Kevin in the Tribune this morning. It has been a long time since I have seen you all. I'm sorry I didn't know he was battling leukemia. My family's thoughts and prayers are with all of you and with Kevin's family, too.

Suzanne

October 22, 2009

Kevin will be truly missed.

Melea Herrin

October 22, 2009

Kevin was definitely one of a kind. I've had the pleasure of knowing him since I started with Garrett/Honeywell back in 1985. He was a great person and will be sorely missed by all. What a special gift for him that he had a chance to see how important he was to so many people.

To his family, may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate his life. A life well lived and full.

My prayers are with you, his family.

Petar Draksin

October 22, 2009

What a awesome human being? He was a great person! I met Kevin when I first moved to Phoenix. During 80s I have spent lot's a time with Kevin on the soccer fields with Serbian SOKO. We had a great team. Kevin was our captain he was one of the younger players There was a reason why he was the captain? Commitment ,Workethic, awesome defender/player. First game I played with Kevin at HO HO KAM park Mesa, I remember thinking to my self , this guy guy can play! I am so lucky to have him on my team. True friend to everyone on the field and of the field. I just wish i would have spent more time with Kevin lately. I loved seeing him at the fields. I know he made a diference in lot's a lives. Kevin wiIl be in my heart for the rest of my life. Why do the good go young? My condolences to Kathy, Laura, and Michael, Petar "DRAK" Draksin (Serbian SOKO, CISCO, Grand Canyon University.)

October 22, 2009

To Kathy, Michael, and Laura...
My most profound condolences for your loss. I pray that God will hold you in his hands and bring you comfort.

To Sully...
Thirty some odd years ago in a mostly forgotten Cup game, I made a mistake that cost us a goal and a game. You were the ONLY one who stood up for me. ASU...White Eagles... Soko...CHS...through the many games we stood on the same or on opposite touchlines, you have been a true and loyal friend and will be missed by so, so many. If there's a Kop in Heaven, I'm pretty sure you've found a way to jump the fence to get in...save me a seat.

Renner

Ryan listening intently to "Coach Sully"

October 22, 2009

Kathyrn, Laura, and Michael,

Kevin's passion for soccer, his family, and his soccer kids was always evident. My son Ryan was fortunate to have him as a coach for three years. He demanded much but gave even more. We will always remember his great sense of humor, his courage in adversity, and his unbounded love of life.

We thank you for sharing him with us. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched on and off the soccer field.

May God bring you comfort in the days ahead,

The LaRose family

Wing Li

October 21, 2009

Kevin was a great guy and and excellent coach. I coached with and against him several times in the 90's, as coach of the Tempe Wings. A Liverpool supporter with a heart as big as Anfield. He'll be missed by all who knew him

October 21, 2009

I worked for Kevin as his secretary in the 90's. He was a blast to have as a boss...he was always in a good mood and always cracking jokes. My condolences to Kathy and the kids. He will be greatly missed.

Donna Rosselot-Miller, Mesa

October 21, 2009

Kevin was one of a kind and that is a lot to say for all of the good folks I have had the unique opportunity to work with at Honeywell/AiResearch.
Our prayers and condolences to Cathy and the Sullivan family.

Al and Esther Dyament

Allens

October 21, 2009

Kathryn and Family,

Kevin was such a special person to our family. We were priviledged to have Sully as a coach for three years and it was the best three years of our lives. We know we will never have the opportunity to experience another like Sully and are greatful for the time we did have with him, it definitely was not long enough. The memories and teachings he instilled on my kids will remain with them for a lifetime.
Your husband and father was someone you should be proud of he is leaving behind a legacy. Walk proud and always know he is walking with you.

God Bless

Windel Williams

October 21, 2009

My Prayers and condolences are with the family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Kevin and also working for him and he WILL BE MISSED! He was a good man and my heart goes out to the family. May God bless you and give you strength through these trying times.

October 21, 2009

I WILL NEVER FORGET THE YEARS OF FUN SOCCER AND WORKING TOGETHER.MY THUOGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOOD BY MY FRIEND YOU WILL BE MISSED. LES SABO

Scott Walker

October 21, 2009

I also played with Kevin in the 1990s. Of all the talented players I have had as teammates over the years, Kevin was probably the most memorable - incredibly tough, tremendously loyal, outrageously funny - you simply couldn't ask for a better man to have on your side.

I'm proud to have known and played with Sully, and if I can keep alive some small portion of Kevin's honesty and passion I'll be a lucky man. Like others here have said, I know that he's on a pitch right now, and I have absolutely no doubt that his team is going to win...skin 'em, Sul.

My condolences to his family.

Kevin loved his Cubs: at Wrigley Field July 1990

October 21, 2009

Ryan Cuddy

October 21, 2009

Ever a smile, can't you stay a lil' longer? I weep for time, but your time made us stronger. Your voice, handshake, firm and resonant, as has been your friendship and counsel meant
a better day as we came to know you.
Peace be with you,Our friend Kevin.

Gary Brcic

October 21, 2009

Kevin Sullivan was a Saint among Men in the Arizona Soccer Community. His passion for the game and his unselfish service to youth development will forever bless the future of the "Beautiful Game". Our Prayers and condolences are with Sully's family and friends. The Brcic Family and all of us at Soccer Master

Steve Odenkirk

October 21, 2009

I had the distinct pleasure of playing with Kevin for about seven years in the early 1990's. He was one of the best teammates I have ever had. He was a gifted player - one with both talent and heart. I consider it a honor to have been able to share the field with him and am so happy I am able to call him my friend.

We all share his loss and hope we can live our lives to the same high standards that he did.

Sharlee Kapp

October 21, 2009

Kevin Sullivan was an amazing man. He treated everyone around him with the utmost respect and everyone treated him as such. He will be greatly missed by so many. He was one of a kind. His personality was amazing and often caught me off guard with a witty comment. Definitely kept me on my toes. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Joe Pierce

October 21, 2009

Sully was a rare breed. In the often political world of Youth Soccer Sully was a truely great person. He always acted with professionalism and class both as a referee and a coach. Always quick to share his great sense of humor and often some sage wisdom he was always a pleasure to work with. The soccer world has lost a legend. Our prayers are with his family and all the individuals he touched over the years. Surely if there is a Soccer field in heaven Sully is lacing them up and getting in on the action.
- Joe Pierce

Scott Clegg

October 21, 2009

Kevin Sullivan was a great coach, great referee, and as many will attest a great human being. I was encouraged that he was released from the hospital(this past spring) only to be devastated he had passed. He shared many Sunday nights as an Adult referee with alot of us. We were all better persons becuase of the examples he left us.

Robert Haynes

October 21, 2009

I found out the bad news at the Hospital when Kevin had passed. I used to take his food order at Banner about a year ago and I remember visiting him after I was done with work to watch a new office episode or just to talk for a bit. I am so sorry for the loss, everyone who knew Kevin, I am sure, has felt it as well.

Wendy Keech

October 21, 2009

Coach Sully was very special to alot of young men, over many years and across local soccer clubs, cities and high school. He believed in "his boys" for who they are, above and beyond being soccer players. Coach realized that there is so much more to them than what happens on the field and supported the player's values and committments they individually placed on family, faith and religion, academics and other sports. Heaven has gained a very special angel! I wonder if his cleats will match his robe and wings. :0)

Thank you, Kathryn, Mike & Laura, for selflessly sharing this special guy with us. The lessons that he taught, the stories that he told, the values he instilled and the time he invested will not soon, if ever, be forgotten. We're greatful he chose to share his time and talent with young people!

The Keech & Kasier Family

Joyce Valdez

October 20, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Allen

October 20, 2009

My fondest memory of Kevin was when he was refereeing a high school game I was coaching several years back. Kevin red carded me for behaving like a idiot. He was right. Unlike Kevin, I did not set a very good example for the kids I was coaching, and at the time, I did not respect the game that we loved together. In recent years, I had the opportunity to referee several of Kevin's teams and he always demanded the best from his players, but he was a class act. Thank you Kevin for setting such a good example for all of us. We will truly miss you.

Berry

October 20, 2009

My son Ryan just forwarded the sad news of Kevin's passing. He helped coach my sons, Kevin and Ryan and we have very fond memories of him. We are truly sorry for your loss.
The Charlie Berry family

Todd Gregson

October 20, 2009

Kevin was a co worker of mine and Honeywell. One of my favoite memories was in the Honeywell Basketball League. He was one of the best trash talkers on the court, and the jokes that he constantly told always made for a great game. Even though Basketball was not his sport (Soccer was his sport) and I had him by at least 6 inches he never gave up and played his hardest through the whole game. He will be missed.

October 20, 2009

Erika Sabo

October 20, 2009

Kathy and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this really tough time. From all the articles I read and talking to my dad Les it sounds like he fought a great fight.I pray for you and your family to be able to keep memories close and happy thoughts always. I will always think of the great soccer games I saw as a young girl where my dad and Kevin played and kicked butt together!!! Rest in Peace Kevin,

Love,
Erika Dawson(Sabo)

October 20, 2009

I havent known Kevin and Cathy for a very long time.. But in that time frame I have seen the love and laughter Kevin had with his friends and his loved ones.. I am fortunate enough to have gotten to know him and his wife.. I hear stories of Kevin having to wear a tie to work and wearing his soccer shoes all dressed up.. My favorite... God bless - Kimmie

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