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BORN
1940
DIED
2021
John Sullivan Obituary
March 5, 1940 - October 26, 2021
John Joseph Sullivan slipped peacefully into the eternities with his wife Mary and all five of his children by his side on October 26, 2021.
John was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 5, 1940, the eldest son of John and Mary Sullivan. He was the elder brother of Timothy and Yaakov. He was raised in Milwaukee where he enjoyed his family, friends, and sports. He was a Packer Backer through and through.
He served in the US Navy from 1958-1962. He proudly served aboard the USS Somers, DD-947. His service to his Country was always an honor for him. Throughout his life he was a proud veteran and gave the utmost respect to all who serve our Country.
He married Mary Margaret Goetsch on September 15,1962. They welcomed five children to their family. John provided for his family by working as an international sales representative. His employment provided him the opportunity to travel the world. John and Mary also loved to travel together.
John was a voracious reader. His knowledge, especially of trivia, was always impressive. He was a walking encyclopedia. His laughter was infectious. He was an amazing storyteller and had a story for every circumstance. There were no strangers to John. Everyone was a friend, and all were always welcome around him.
John enjoyed serving among his friends in Kiwanis. He loved the mission of Kiwanis to serve the children of the community. He volunteered in many leadership positions and was recently named Man of the Year by his local club. He served others and worked to make this world a better place.
His great joy in life was to see his five children be self-reliant and for each of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to live, love, serve, and laugh.
John was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Sullivan, his brothers Timothy and Yaakov. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary. His five children Brian Sullivan, Shawna (Russell) Judd, Bridget (Trent) Hansen, Casey (Jessi) Sullivan, and Darby (Dave) Sullivan, 15 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren.
He will be interred in a private ceremony at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, amongst his fellow Veterans. A celebration of life will be scheduled on his birthday, March 5, 2022. If you would like to think of John, please reach out in service to your family, friends, neighbors, and community. If you desire to make a donation, please consider a local Kiwanis Club or any other charitable organization.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sullivan
6 Entries
Mike Quarles
November 1, 2025
I live in four seasons, bakersfield and a friend, and fellow veteran. I had the pleasure of accompanying John Sullivan on the Honor Flight.
Rest Easy My Friend.
Mike Quarles (Four Seasons Veteran)
November 1, 2024
Rest Well My Friend!
Mike Quarles
January 2, 2022
I have had the pleasure of meeting and knowing John at 4 Seasons Veterans Club, We quickly became friends, I also had the pleasure of accompanying John on Honor Flight #36. I find myself in lot's of photos with John. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to my friend John's Family, I am truly sorry for your loss!
Joe Gallant
November 10, 2021
To Mary and all of Sully´s family-
I am so sorry to learn of his passing. John was truly one of a kind, a kind man who immediately made you feel welcome. I had the privilege of working side by side with Sully and that time was certainly one of the best experience s in my professional life. He proved to be an outstanding mentor and became a dear friend, still providing insight and guidance until his final days. My deepest sympathies to Mary and family, and hopefully you all know what a giant of a man he was, the legacy he leaves behind and how loved John Sullivan was. I will truly miss my friend.
John Denvir
November 7, 2021
John leaves a large void among his fellow Kiwanis members as past President of the Westchester Kiwanis and past Lt. Governor of Division 33. One of my best memories of John was helping him with the Cops and Kids project he lead, with John being surrounded by the many youths teamed up with officers in a friendly competition. John impacted a huge number of lives for the better, and seemed to have endless energy he used to give of himself. My prayers are with Mary and the family.
Catherine Patrick
November 7, 2021
May John´s life be an example of what a life of service looks like and inspire us. May God bless you Mary, your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with peace and comfort that can only be found in Him.
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