John L. Sullivan

SULLIVAN-John L. Sullivan, whose multifaceted life of public service spanned more than 6 decades, died May 18th at age 96. The former city councilman and mayor of South Pasadena began h is career as special agent of the F.B.I. and phased out his public life as assemblyman in the California Senior Legislature. It was probably in his role as educator that his efforts made their greatest impact. Born December 12th, 1908, in the small mining town of Gilbert, Minnesota, he was named after the legendary Irish boxer. His father, an Irish immigrant, worked in the iron ore mines as a shift captain. John L. was active in high school sports, playing football, and making the all state team in swimming and diving. Later, he attended the University of St. Thomas earning a law degree (LLB) in 1933. While working at the welfare office in Virginia, Minnesota, he met his future bride, co-worker, Jean Masten. John joined the F.B.I. in 1941 and was assigned to the New Orleans Office. He phoned his fiance, Jean, and asked her to come by train. They were married on St. Patricks Day. The Sullivans were transferred to Los Angeles in 1943. Son John (Jay) was born in 1944, Greg in 1947 and daughter Laurie in 1955. Jo hn L. distinguished himself as police instructor and firearms expert during his tour of duty in L.A. He conducted classes in firearms and criminal investigations for literally thousands of peace officers throughout Southern and Central California. Yearly, he traveled to Washington, D.C., where he taught and counseled cadets and authored training manuals at the F.B.I. National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. After he retired from the F.B.I., completing 22 years of service in 1962, he enrolled at U.C.L.A., obt aining a class A Credential and Supervisor's Credential in Vocational education. Sullivan began a 2nd career at Pasadena City College in 1965. During his 10 years at P.C.C., Sullivan taught Police Science and served as chairman of the Department of Engineering Technology. He authored the college text, Introduction to Police Science, which went through three editions and served as the definitive manual on the subject for two decades, across the country and around the world. On a trip to Asia, John L., walked into the public library and Kuala Lampur, Malasia, and found a copy of his book. He traveled to the Virgin Islands to set up the first Police Academy, and later gave similar aid to the Zambia Police. He was awarded to Outstanding Educator Award for the State of California in 1974, by the California Association of Criminal Justice Educators. The Ralph Story Award was bestowed for outstanding service to Pasadena City College and community by the P.C.C. faculty. John L. entered politics and was elected 3 time s to the City Council of South Pasadena (1966-1978) serving two terms as Mayor (1970-1973). He was a long time vigorous opponent against the effort to build the long Beach Freeway through the center of South Pasadena. Pasadena Star News Columnist, Charles Cherniss wrote (September 15th 1933 that John L. "was the driving force behind giving South Pasadena a Senior Center that ranks with the best in Our Valley and state." Cherniss described his administrative style as "articulate and forceful." (He) "has the knack of debating without rancor or spite. He sticks to the point and ignores name calling." His years of service to senior citizen affairs continued with his election to the California Senior legislature. During his four years, traveling numerous times to Sacramento, he introduced three laws relating to the health of older people, which were later adapted by California lawmakers, and signed into law by the governor. Sullivan was an active member of Holy Family Church since moving to South Pasadena in 1950. For years, he visited various other parishes as quest speaker at Holy name Society and Knights of Columbus Sunday breakfasts, entertaining each audience with stories of the exploits of G-Men and criminals during the F.B.I glory days in the 1930's. He served as usher and Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Church, as as President of the Archdiocesan Holy Name Society under archbishop Timothy Manning. Despite the years of heave commitment to a career in public service, John L. remained, above all, a loving h usband, father and grandfather. He was unstintingly loyal to his friends, enjoyed a good story, a laugh and his younger years loved to sing. John L. Sullivan is survived by his two sons John (Jay) and Gregory, and four grandchildren, Shawna and Robert Hughill, Brianna and Casey Sullivan. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Jean and daughter, Laurie. Funeral Mass will celebrated Wednesday, May 25th, at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena. Cabot & Sons, Pasadena, Directors.