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Michael O'Sullivan Obituary
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel, in Grover Beach. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Arroyo Grande. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, also at St. Patrick's.
Father Mike was born April 18, 1924, in Cork City, Ireland. He attended All Hallows Seminary in Dublin and in 1948 was sent to New Zealand in his first assignment as a priest. In 1967, Father Mike came to the United States and spent the rest of his ministry in the Diocese of Monterey. He served as the former pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Arroyo Grande from 1974 to 1989.
Father Mike was a runner who competed in many marathons, including the Boston and Dublin Marathons. His last marathon was the 2003 Dublin Marathon, where he raised $20,000 in pledges for the American Cancer Society. He was a member of California State Parks Volunteer Mounted Assistance, where he enjoyed riding his horses on the beach at Pismo and Oceano.
Father Mike is survived by his sisters, Sister Angela O'Sullivan and Maureen Phelan, both of Dublin; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph, Father Denis and Finbarr O'Sullivan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Woods Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael O'Sullivan
2 Entries
Erin Taylor (Wright)
October 4, 2005
I've known Father O'Sullivan for 31 years, which is basically almost my entire life. He was a great man, who did great things. He never had to speak loud to be heard. He was kind and gentle. He treated everyone the same no matter how much they had or how little they had. He saved our school (St. Patrick's School) from being sold and built our church up to what you see today. I was lucky to get to know him more than others because his housekeepers daughter was one of my best friends growing up, so I was fortunate enough to get to spend time at the church when large congregations weren't there. I got to know the man not only as a 7 year old child, but as an adult. He will always be my favorite priest. He helped me learn about my faith and love it. Which is a gift I've pasted down to my own children. He might not be here, but he will not be forgotten.
Derek Hughes
October 4, 2005
Fr. Mike was a great example to me. He had great gifts which shone in his ministry. He cared about people and treated them with compassion and love. He was a faithful servant of Christ to the end.
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