John Patrick "Pat" Sullivan

John Patrick "Pat" Sullivan, 86, of Oak Lawn, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Pat was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Mike and Eleanor (Stockbar), the second child of eventually thirteen children. Pat was a graduate of St. Kilian's grade school and Mount Carmel High School.
Pat retired from the Chicago Police Department after 39 years and the Cook County Sheriff Department after 10 years.
Pat was the devoted husband to the late Ellen "Putsy" (Nitsche), his cherished and beloved wife of 62 years. Pat and Putsy raised their family in Chicago's St. Denis Parish before moving to Oak Lawn.
Pat will be remembered as a loving father, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. Pat is survived by his four children: Terri (Mike) Berger, Beth (late Ed) McClory, Pat (Sue) Sullivan, and Katie Sullivan. He was the proud grandfather of Mary Beth (Ryan) Blake, Catherine (John) McGinty, Michael (Jess) Berger, Colleen (John) Kiraly, Meg Berger, Patrick Sullivan, and Kevin Sullivan; and great-grandfather of Maeve Blake, Madelyn Blake, Charlotte McGinty, Ava Kiraly, Michael Berger, and Alice Blake; and fond uncle to many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was a devoted brother to Mike (Mary Ann), late Tom (late Eileen), late Teddy (late Denny Kay), late Sharon (Joe Knight), late Denny, Jerry (Trudy), Kevin (Maureen), Brian (late Ellie), Mary Kay (Jim Quinlan), Jim (Judy), Joan (Steve Springer),and the late Joe (Judy). and a loving brother-in-law to the late Walter (late Bonnie) Nitsche, late Paul (Maureen) Nitsche, late Larry (Mary) Nitsche, and Trudy (Jerry) Sullivan- yes doubly related.
Pat loved being a police officer, to protect and serve, especially during his time with the youth division and as Commander of the Mass Transit Division. He was heavily involved in St. Denis Parish, the Knights of Columbus, and was the long- time head coach for Spartan football. He was a friend to all which could be seen in his words and more importantly his actions. He helped with advice, with jobs, and with even stickier situations. He enjoyed life and he commanded a room with his stories and personality. Saturday nights out with Putsy were mandatory. He loved the lake, especially for the last 25 years at the family home in Koontz Lake, IN.
Visitation Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St. Chicago Ridge, IL; Funeral Thursday, January 8, 2026, all family and friends will meet directly at St. John Fisher Church, 10235 S. Fairfield Ave., Chicago, IL for Mass, 11:00 a.m.; Interment Private; In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, (https://give.cpdmemorial.org/give/142398/#!/donation/checkout) would be appreciated; For Funeral Info: (708) 422-2700 or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.