Ray Sullivan, a resident of Walnut Creek, passed away after a brief illness.

A native of San Francisco, Ray was the youngest son of Mary and Patrick Sullivan of County Cork, Ireland. He was preceded in death by siblings John, Tim, Jim, Danny, Herb, Jerry and Muriel. He is survived by his brother Paul and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband of 66 years to his wife Virginia and adored by his daughter Donna Costello (Terry) and granddaughter Coleen.

Ray attended St. Paul's Grammar School and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1941. Starting with selling newspapers on the corner in grammar school, he worked at every type of job throughout high school from bike messenger to molding hot steel in a mattress factory. When war was declared he enlisted in the Navy and served as a signalman on an LST and was decorated for his participation in many amphibious invasions in the South Pacific.

Upon returning home and marrying his sweetheart, Virginia, he made his living as a butcher, working in his own shop and finally at the Safeway plant in Richmond after moving to Walnut Creek in 1969. From 1969 to the present he was a parishioner at St. John Vianney where he served as an usher and a member of SIRS. His "hobby" was serving others. "What can I get you" or "How can I help" were his most often used phrases. He was selfless, supportive, tireless, brave, loved to laugh and joke, ALWAYS there when needed, and to those who called him friend, he was the best one ever.

It's impossible to sum up the life of a man with a heart as big as Ray's, except to say that he quietly lived his faith and by doing so he brightened the hearts and lives of everyone he met.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 at Hull's Mortuary, 1139 Saranap Ave., Walnut Creek from 4:00 – 6:00p.m. with a Vigil following. Funeral Mass on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, 11:30a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Sullivan

5 Entries

November 23, 2014

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Stevie Smith

Henry Doering

November 21, 2014

Donna, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. My very best to you, and your entire family, at this sad time.

Laurie Kennel Warner

November 20, 2014

Donna and Family,
My deepest condolences for the loss of your father. I remember him as a very kind, gentle man. Much love to you and your family during this difficult time.
Laurie

Rolando Salazar, Secretary

November 20, 2014

The St. John Vianney Men's Club wish to express their sincerest condolences to Ray's family. He was a beloved and respected member of our club and will be greatly missed.

Lori Donohoe

November 20, 2014

We will all miss Uncle Ray! He made me laugh and he made me smile! Love to Virginia and Donna.

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Memorial Events
for Raymond Sullivan

Nov

23

Vigil

Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel

1139 Saranap Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Nov

23

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel

1139 Saranap Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Nov

24

Funeral Mass

11:30 a.m.

St. John Vianney Catholic Church

1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel

1139 Saranap Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94595

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