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Thomas Sullivan Obituary

Thomas Patrick Sullivan, 91, beloved husband and best friend of Anne Landau; devoted father of Maggie Sullivan Cescolini (Steve Cescolini), Tim Sullivan (Elissa Scrafano) and Liza Sullivan (Chris Hipschen); caring step-father of Mimi Landau; proud grandfather "Baca" of Andi Cescolini, Corinne Cescolini, Jettie Hipschen, Henry Hipschen, Jonah Landau and Alex Landau; son of the late Clarence and Pauline Sullivan; brother of John Sullivan, Mary Comstock, David Sullivan, Jim Sullivan, and the late Sue Stokes. He was a dear friend and mentor to many. Tom was a partner at Jenner & Block for 67 years and U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois from 1977 to 1981 where he began the Greylord investigation. During his entire career Tom was a tireless advocate for justice and civil rights. He argued in front of the Supreme Court on two occasions. He was instrumental in forming the firm's pro bono program, was co-chair of the governor's Commission on Capital Punishment and advocated nationwide for recording custodial confessions. He also fought on behalf of four of the Chicago Seven defendants after the Democratic Convention in 1968 and more recently represented detainees in Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Tom was the recipient of numerous awards including the Thurgood Marshall Award and the John Paul Steven's Award. He loved travelling with his family, reading, fine wines, Dairy Queen, Notre Dame football and his home in Santa Fe.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune from May 23 to May 27, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Sullivan

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Pam (Marshall) Holcombe

June 4, 2021

A dear friend and colleague of my dad, Prentice Marshall, and an `uncle´ to the Marshall kids. Sending our sincere condolences and prayers to the family.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Sara Sommervold

Planted Trees

Philip Parenti

May 30, 2021

Tom has been my close friend and mentor ever since we tried his first case as US Attorney in 1977 when he was 20 years my senior. We were tennis partners over the years, and I was privileged to visit him and anne in Santa Fe. Tom referred and worked on cases with me as well. Although I worked with many great lawyers over the years, he was the best in his overall legal, appellate and trial skills. Rest in peace, my friend. Phil Parenti

J William Elwin Jr

May 30, 2021

Tom Sullivan was an outstanding advocate and a very excellent person. Pleased to have served with Mr. Sullivan.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Leonard Goodman

Planted Trees

Steven

May 26, 2021

It was truly a pleasure to have gotten to know Tom. He will be missed dearly.

Gabrielle Buckley

May 25, 2021

My greatest condolences to Tom's family. He was a patient, brilliant, and empathetic mentor to me, especially early in my legal career when we worked on the Mitsubishi Electric case together around the world. We have lost a lovely, lovely man.

Sue Parr Happel

May 24, 2021

Our family knew and were good friends of Sullivan´s I was in Fr John´s class at st Petronille. My sister Dolores was in Tom´s class. Our parents were good friends. I´m so sorry to hear of Tom´s passing

Rita

May 24, 2021

So very sorry for your loss.
I knew Tom on both a personal and professional basis. In fact that was one of the things I admired about him, he was always there for everyone personally.
A kind, true, gentle man.
Rest forever in peace

Rita Raggi. ( from the dry cleaners)

May 23, 2021

My condolences to you Anne and Mimi on your loss of Tom.
It was my pleasure to know your family.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

David & Cynthia

Planted Trees

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Memorial Events
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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:

Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home

1100 Greenleaf Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091

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