Michael J. Sullivan

Michael Joseph "Mike" Sullivan, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Michael and Eleanor (Stockbar) Sullivan. He was the oldest of thirteen children. Mike was a graduate of St. Kilian School and a proud Man of Carmel, graduating from Mount Carmel High School in 1955. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and always expressed gratitude for the training he received there and the opportunity to serve during a time of peace.

Mike was the owner of the Interim Personnel franchise in Chicago and also operated Interim Personnel offices in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Wisconsin. He was a proud member of the Interim franchise family and was especially delighted to welcome his six children and two sons-in-law into the operation. Together they grew the business into the largest single-city franchise in the country. He greatly appreciated his many employees and always credited them with his success. He had a strong belief that every person's work should be valued.

Throughout his life, Mike enjoyed the love of many friends, some of whom began in childhood and continued throughout his life. His friends became an extension of the already large, loud, and loving Sullivan family. He was famous for his St. Patrick's Day parties and his frequent Sunday open houses on Lake St. Clair, where he offered food, libations, and volleyball games. Sunday dinners often included both old and new friends who were never guests, but simply welcome additions. His commitment to friends and family extended far beyond camaraderie. Mike welcomed many young people into his home for short and long stays, and as they became adults, they remained grateful for the love and mentoring he provided.

Along with his wife Mary Ann, Mike tried to enjoy his retirement years spent wintering in Florida, exploring Europe, attempting golf with his beloved brother Pat and sister-in-law Putsy, and becoming the workout champion of the Union League Club. It soon became clear that retirement was not for him, and in 2003 he partnered with his daughter Joan and her husband Bernie to purchase the Interim HealthCare franchise. He also enjoyed volunteering at the Career Transition Center and CARA.

In his free time, Mike especially loved spoiling his grandchildren. He rarely missed their sporting events, theater productions, or musical performances. Family often gathered at the Beachwalk home for weekends at the lake. We will fondly remember the endless birthday parties, holidays, White Sox and Blackhawks games, and the many excursions he shared with his grandchildren. He was often one of the kids himself. He particularly loved introducing them to the theater in New York and to Mickey Mouse at Disney World.

Mike was the devoted husband of Mary Ann (Wolfe) Sullivan, his cherished and beloved wife of 66 years. Together they were the proud parents of six children, fifteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Although the family spent many years in Detroit, they always considered Chicago to be home and were happy to return and settle in the South Loop. Mike was a longtime member of Old St. Patrick's Parish.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ann (née Wolfe);

Loving father of Anne Marie (David) Gulley, Susy Sullivan (Keith Picher), Joan (Bernie) Bulger, Michael (Katherine) Sullivan, Karen (Tommy) O'Neill, and Moira (David) Borkovec.

Beloved son of the late Michael and Eleanor Sullivan (née Stockbar).

Dear brother of Gerald (Trudy), Brian (the late Ellie), Kevin (Maureen), Mary Kay (Jim) Quinlan, Joan (Steve) Springer, Jim (Judy); and the late John Patrick (the late Ellen "Putsy"), the late Edwin "Ted" (the late Denny Kay), the late Tom (the late Eileen), the late Sharon (Joseph) Knight, the late Dennis, and the late Joseph (Judy) Sullivan.

Proud grandfather of Anne O'Neill Riggenbach (Tim), Rachel Picher (Kevin Bevel), Patrick Bulger (Gina), Kyle Gulley (Rachel Brown), Thomas O'Neill (Haley Paszkiewicz), Siobhan Bulger, Mary Anne Gulley (Johnny Bear), David Gulley, Gabs Picher (Justin Gallagher), Caelah Clark (Matthew), Mary Claire O'Neill, Zoe Anne Sullivan, Griffin Bulger, Nolan Borkovec (Lexy Kocsis), and Michael Sullivan IV. Adored great-grandfather of Dennis Thomas Riggenbach. Fond brother-in-law of the late John J. Wolfe (Jean Ann). Dear uncle and great-uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Thursday, March 19th, from 3:00-8:00pm at Donnellan Funeral Home 10525 S. Western Ave. Chicago. Family and friends will meet Friday, March 20th at Old St.

Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661 for visitation from 1:30 pm until time of Mass 2:30 pm.

Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, in the name of Luke Knight, #1798006, 6300 N. Ridge Ave. Chicago, IL 60660, Men of Carmel Fund, 6410 S. Dante, Chicago IL 60637. Arrangements entrusted to Donnellan Funeral Home, 10525 S. Western Ave., Chicago. For info (773) 238-0075 or sign guestbook at www.donnellanfuneralhome.com.