Gerald Matthew Sullivan
1961 - 2015
Gerald Matthew Sullivan
1961 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
Gerald Sullivan Obituary
Jerry Sullivan’s generous heart stopped suddenly Jan. 23.
His kind and gentle spirit touched the lives of many. He left us way too soon.
He was born in Portland, and moved to the Seattle area as a teenager. He attended Gonzaga University and then settled in Portland with his wife Tricia. Jerry spent his career working in the sporting goods/supply chain industry.
He enjoyed watching sports, biking, having a beer, and time with family and friends.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Tricia, daughter, Erin, and son, Rick, along with brothers, John and Joe, sister, Elaine, and a large extended Sullivan and Baker family. Erin is engaged to the newest Sullivan, Mike Lombardi, and Rick is to graduate from Santa Clara University this year.
Funeral will be held on Friday, Jan. 30, 11 am at The Madeleine Catholic Church.
The family would appreciate honoring Jerry through donations to Providence Portland Medical Foundation/My Little Waiting Room. Raise a toast: life is too short to drink bad beer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Stephen Cochran
March 4, 2015
Jerry was a great man. I enjoyed working with him , and morn your loss.
Cindy Campbell
February 2, 2015
Tricia, I knew Jerry as a classmate at Holy Redeemer. He was such a great kid. The girls all loved Jerry. He was never mean to anyone. . . . my Mom always encouraged us to be friends with Jerry. In her words, "He is such a nice boy!". She was so right. I love that you and he had a life together with the kids that were never supposed to be. He was a very blessed man and I am all the better for having known him. . . and you. Know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He will always be with you - in your heart and in your memories. <3
Julie Shawcross
January 30, 2015
Thinking of your family during this difficult time. What a wonderful example Jerry was to everyone that knew him.
The Shawcross Family
Ron Vasquez
January 30, 2015
Tricia, Erin, and Rick, today's celebration of Jerry's life was so reflective of the gentle soul that he shared with so many people. When I think of him I think of someone who was genuine, caring, and compassionate. Most of all he was always proud of his family.
Jerry, thank you for your willingness to always share a good laugh with me. I miss you my friend.
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Mike Kemppainen
January 30, 2015
Tricia, Erin, Rick and extended family - Our thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathy are with you.
Jerry hired me to Nike 23 years ago, and I worked for him for many years. He was a manager who always showed a genuine caring and interest in all of us who worked for him, was quick with a smile or laugh, and was good at his job, leading by example. As Teeda mentioned, our group of 'Jerry's kids' from 20+ years ago has kept in touch through the years and Jerry had accepted to join us for Thai food next month. He will be greatly missed.
Jeff Mitchell
January 29, 2015
Elaine, John & Joe, I am sorry to hear the loss of your brother. And Tricia, Erin, Rick, I'm sorry for the loss of your husband and Dad.
"The Sullivan's" go back to our days at Holy Redeemer and Troop 71. Elaine, you and I were in the same class at HR. John and Joe, you were a few years older when I was in the troop. You both earned your Eagle Scout awards but Jerry was right behind you working to also earn his Eagle Scout. Even at an early age, I remember Jerry's interaction with kids and adults, you could see the leadership, friendship and warm caring characteristics that made Jerry who he was.
It will be the "little things" to love, cherish and carry in your hearts when you think of Jerry.
May all of you be blessed with God's comfort, peace and love.
Kristine Johnson
January 29, 2015
my most sincere condolences for your loss. I am praying for you and your family during this most sorrowful time. and may perpetual light shine upon him.
January 28, 2015
Dear Tricia, Erin and Rick. I just learned of Jerry's death and wanted to extend my love and prayers to you. Jerry and I worked together for years at Nike. He was always kind, calm and fun to work with. My deepest sympathy to you all. Jerry ws a great guy and made the world a better place. He will me missed.
Karen Lewis (Beaverton, Oregon)
Maureen Thompson
January 28, 2015
Tricia, Erin, Rick, Elaine, John & Joe. I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband, dad & brother. I'm so grateful to have had the chance to know Jerry & know what kind of incredible human being he was. Even though I've not seen Jerry much since High School I always think of him with his kind eyes, warm smile & big heart. My prayer for you all is peace in knowing he watches over you with all his love. Love you all, Maureen (Jeff, Jessica & Justin too)
Monica & Tim Shanahan
January 28, 2015
Tricia & Family
We are so sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Jerry. We are praying the peace and comfort of our Lord Jesus will fill you hearts and minds. May you feel the strength of His arms as He holds & protects you. May you know His constant love.
Paul, Kim, Kevin, Siobhan, and Liam O'Malley
January 28, 2015
Tricia, Erin, and Rick:
Our entire family sends our love and prayers. Jerry's humor, love, simple acceptance of others, and gracious heart touched the lives of so many within our community. His willingness to give of himself and his talents made our little corner of the world infinitely better. May God bless you today and always with comfort and unconditional love.
Jeff White
January 28, 2015
Tricia I am very sorry for your loss. I did not personally know Jerry, but by witnessing the enormous outpouring of wonderful sentiments by many that did know and love him, I indeed see that he was a great man. You and your family are in my prayers.
Shannon Heizenrader
January 28, 2015
Tricia, Erin and Rick,
I am sorry for the loss of Jerry. Based on the stories your mom has shared with me, I know what a kind and generous soul he was. Know you are in the thoughts and payers of many, including myself. May God's grace surround you and lift you up.
Elliot Walter
January 28, 2015
Dear Trish, Rick and Erin, my heart and prayers go out to all of you as i know all to well what it means to lose your spouse and best friend. If there's ever anything I can do for you guys just say the word. Madeline and the surrounding community was so supportive of us..i hope and pray you find peace and comfort in knowing how well loved your best friend was. Keep the memories close. Much love, grace and peace to you and yours...Friends by Michael W Smith. Elliot and kids
Janna Powell
January 28, 2015
Oh, Tricia, I am so sad. David and I have such great memories of spending time with you and Jerry. Those times are treasured and always will be. We are here for you my friend.
Fukumi Hauser
January 28, 2015
Tricia, I am very sad to learn about Jerry who I met during our Nike days. He was a gentle and kind person and always sought what's good for the team. He was respected for his work and how he conducted himself in doing the work. We lost a good friend. My sincere condolence to you and your loved ones. I believe he watches over you and your children until your smiles return.
Bev Shepherd-Velasquez
January 28, 2015
Tricia, I wanted you to know..... I am so sorry for the loss of your best friend, husband, and father to your children. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Dori Kummerfeld
January 27, 2015
My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Jerry. I only worked with him a short time, but he left a big impact with his sense of humor, generous attitude, and overall approach to life. I can only imagine he will be missed by many.
Don Wesley
January 27, 2015
Our prayers and condolences to Jerry's family, I was shocked to hear the news just like everyone else. I'd raised a glass with him only a few months ago. We worked together at Nike for a number of years and he was instrumental in helping me land my job at Columbia, but then, that's just how he was. He will be missed.
Valorie and Jim Bradley
January 27, 2015
We'll always remember Jerry for his warm smile, lighthearted laugh and the love he had for his family. Our deepest condolences to Tricia, Erin, Rick and to everyone that was lucky enough to have Jerry in their life.
Patty and Jeff Nelson
January 27, 2015
Jerry was our neighbor and friend from Madeleine. We will miss seeing Jerry walking with his best friend and wife Tricia. He was a wonderful man who always had a smile to share. He will be missed. Prayers of comfort and peace for the family.
Nick Athanasakos
January 27, 2015
My condolences to Tricia, Erin, Rick, and the rest of Jerry's family on this sad and shocking news. I worked with Jerry for many years at Nike - hard working, diligent, and always had a smile on his face.
Scott Walsh
January 27, 2015
I started working with Jerry at Nike in the mid 80's. Over the years we worked in different areas but I always enjoyed it when our paths crossed and I had a chance to work with him again.
Most recently we have been part of the Nike Alumni group which met every couple of months. After each meeting Jerry and I would have dinner and have a chance to catch up on what each was doing. Just saw him in December, so this was quite a shock. He was a great guy. I will miss him.
Elaine Stewart
January 27, 2015
Forever in our heart.
Teeda Denney
January 27, 2015
I am heartbroken, Jerry was our friend and a special part of a Nike group we laughingly called "Jerry's Kids" . We have remained in contact and have annual lunches together no matter where we are or where each is working.. We have one coming up soon and I know we will all miss Jerry so very much .
Teeda Denney - Nike
Mark McGinnis
January 27, 2015
Tricia, Erin and Rick,
Of course our hearts hurt for your loss of this great husband and Dad. Among the dozens of adjectives that come to mind, gentle, kind and loving always rise to the top. Through the grief so many happy memories surface of one of the guys; always willing to help, always bringing a smile, always attentive, and frequently armed with a one-liner to keep things in perspective.
Jerry will always be a Mad Dad and always remembered!
With love,
Richard (Dick) Dolan
January 27, 2015
Jerry, We'll miss your membership in the "Breakfast Club", especially you. Our prayers are for you on your journey to meet Mom and Dad. Tricia, Erin and Rick will get our love to help them.
Karl Stewart
January 27, 2015
Jerry, I will miss your warm friendship and smile. Your loving brother, Karl.
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