Michael David Sullivan, 58
1963 - 2022
BUTTE - On Saturday, October 29, 2022, Butte native Michael "Mikey" Sullivan passed away, surrounded by his loving family, at St. James Hospital, following an unexpected medical emergency. Mike was 58. He had strong Catholic beliefs and there is no doubt, he is now in heaven with God, his beloved parents, John and Shirley, grandparents: Joseph and Viola, and all his family members and friends who have passed before him.
Mike was born feet first in Butte, MT in 1963 to John T. and Shirley A. Sullivan (Chopp). He was the second youngest of six siblings (Mark, John, Joanne, Tom, Mike and Patrick). He was raised and lived his life at the Sullivan family home located on Nanny Goat Hill in Butte (400 block of N. Idaho St). Mike attended Butte grade schools Lincoln and McKinley, West Jr. High School, and graduated from Butte High School in 1981.
Mike worked throughout his life holding jobs at Safeway; the D&M Bar; as a Corrections Officer at Montana State Prison where he attained the rank of Sgt.; Security Officer Federal Building (Helena); Police Dispatcher (Anaconda); United States Post Office (Butte); Sears; Walmart; and most recently, he worked part-time for his close friend, Dan Roggenkamp at D&D Enterprises.
Throughout his life, Mike truly enjoyed family get togethers, holiday celebrations, picnics, camping and fishing trips which all occurred very often in Western Montana, instilling an unbreakable sense of family in Michael.
Mike's primary profession was the care of others, especially his family. Mike had a lot of skills, and without hesitation, would offer his help to those in need. He was a true empath, seeing through the pain and frustration of others, offering love and compassion. You'd barely be in the front door before Mike offered you every snack or drink in the house. He always made everyone feel like they were home.
Mike's dad John passed in 1981. Mike lived a love filled and happy life with his mom, Shirley and brother, Pat at their N. Idaho St. home. As his mom Shirley's health declined with age, he dedicated his life to taking care of her each and every day, until her death in 2018. Following Shirley's death, Mike took on the roll watching his great-nephews and great-niece, Kyson, Kealan and Brylee at the family home, a couple days a week. They, and all his nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, lit up his life. He looked forward, every week, to seeing them all, and quite often remarked, "those kids make life worth living." Mike's favorite food was pancakes.
Mike was preceded in death by his father and mother: John and Shirley Sullivan, his grandparents: Joseph and Viola Chopp, his aunts and uncles: Joseph and Patricia Floreen, Edward and Rosemary Durkin (Anaconda), Don Morrison and Joseph "Sonny" Chopp, and his cousins: Father Ernest Floreen and Mark Durkin (Anaconda).
Mike is survived by his brothers and sisters: Mark and Judy Sullivan (Billings), John and Sandy Sullivan, Joanne Sullivan, Tom Sullivan and Patrick Sullivan, his aunt Rosalie Morrison, his uncle and aunt: David and Linda Chopp, his nieces and nephews: Joseph Sullivan and Heather Ridley (Bozeman), John T. and Cassie Sullivan (Great Falls), Brian and Chelsea Sullivan, David and Annie Sullivan (Missoula), Daniel and Kaila Sullivan, Rich and Kaycee Sullivan/Casey (Washington DC), Kelly and Brooke Sullivan (Rugby, ND), Jamie Frank (Billings) and Jay and Jennifer Edmunds (Bossier City, LA), his great-nieces and nephews: Nevaeh, John T. Jr. and Kamdon Sullivan (Great Falls); Kyson, Kealan and Brylee Sullivan; Brayden and Caleb Sullivan (Missoula); Connor, Kaidon and Kylie Sullivan; Quinn Sullivan (DC) ; Gabriella, Garrett, Katie and Benjamin Sullivan (ND); Aubri and Ethan Edmunds (LA); his first cousins: Donny Morrison, John and Lori Sholey, Cheryl Floreen (ID), Joe and Brenda Floreen, Don and Maureen Tweety (Anaconda), Bill and Clarice Fisher (Missoula), Pat and Linda Durkin (Helena), Tim and Lissette Durkin (WA), Sherrell Lopez, Chris and Treasa Chopp (UT), Mike and Kelli Chopp (NV), Becky and John Turley (ID), Denise Brown (ID) and Joe and Wendy Chopp (WA), as well as many other cousins. Mike love attending family functions and visits with all his family members.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Church in Butte on Saturday, November 5, 2022, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., and Mass at 11:00 a.m. Right of Committal will take place immediately following the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Sponsored by Duggan Dolan Mortuary - Butte.
4 Entries
Phillip Masters
November 8, 2022
Dear John and Sandy and family,
Our hearts go out to all of you in this time that seems so sorrowful and unexpected. We pray the God´s Presence will surround all of you and strengthen you from the inside out.
May the grace, compassion and peace of God be real to you every day.
Phil and Tina Masters and GatewayCF
Vera Hoscheid
November 3, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. Many great memories working with him at the prison. Prayers to the family.
Steve Kremer
November 2, 2022
Sorry to hear. Mike was one of the good guys and I always enjoyed working with him. My condolences to the Sullivan Family.
Sherrel Lopez
November 1, 2022
I’m so sad and my heart is broken but I know God has another angel watching over us. You will be truly missed but never forgotten Mike! I still remember all the fun times we had at the cabin and the picnics with the family! Love you and God bless!
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