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BORN
1946
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
John Sullivan Obituary
Springfield, IL—John D. Sullivan, 73, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at his home.
He was born February 21, 1946, to Daniel and Mary (Seward) Sullivan, Sr. He married Kathleen Norris on September 14, 1968. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Daniel, Jr. and Paul Sullivan; sister, Mary West and nephew, Tim Warren.
John was a US Navy veteran. He retired from Springfield Fire Department and was president of the Firefighter's Pension Board for 32 years. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and an antique dealer. He was an interior decorator for Stern's Carriage House for 15 years and also employed by True Colors for 15 years.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Maura (Craig) Stanberry and Brian (Courtney) Sullivan; grandchildren, Connor, Madalyn, Lachlan and Aislyn; sisters, Kathleen Warren and Rosanne Sullivan (Harry Fehrenbacher); and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Reverend Christopher House officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or American Lung Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sullivan
Sponsored by Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home - Springfield.
PJ FORKIN
May 13, 2021
JOHN WAS A FINE IRISH LAD....THAT HE WAS. TOO YOUNG, PERHAPS, TO BE CALLED HOME BY THE LORD. KNOWING JOHN, HE WILL BE HAPPY WHEREVER HE WILL BE...ESPECIALLY IN HEAVEN!
MAY GOD BLESS YOU JOHN AND YOUR FAMILY.
Beverly *Cousin*
July 12, 2020
I am his Aunt Patricia's daughter. She was Mary's 3rd sister from California. I was sorry to read of his death. I have very fond memories of John from our visits over our childhood years. He was a young boy but so kind & thoughtful as were his sisters as well. As a man he looked so much like his Uncle John.
My heart goes out to you for having to live without him now, though he rests now with the Lord along with his parents, siblings and extended family.
May 22, 2019
So sorry for your loss
Mike and Linda Harmony
Becky Cochran
May 22, 2019
To all the Sullivan family, my condolences on your loss. John always seemed bright and happy and spun Kathy on the dance floor as if they were born to dance together.
Becky McClure Cochran
SHS 64 classmate
May 22, 2019
Kathy and Family:
I was so sadden to read of John's passing. He was a such a great person and so very friendly to all he came in contact with. My sincere regret that I am unable to be there at the visitation or services to support you and your family, but know that my heart and prayers are with you and yours.
Mal Hildebrand
George & Lynda Keys
May 21, 2019
Kathy, Lynda and I are so sorry to hear about Johns passing. He was such a great person and we always had a great time when together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Judi Serra
May 21, 2019
Kathy, Joe and I are so sorry to hear of John's passing. We sure did have a lot of good times and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Joe and Judi Serra
Paula Kitchen
May 21, 2019
So sorry to hear about John. It's so hard to believe, he always looked and acted so young. Our condolences go out to you and your family.
Your friends
Paula and Hal Kitchen
MaryAnn Newquist
May 21, 2019
Kathleen and family, my sincerest sympathy to you in passing of John, he was truly a great guy. He always had something to say nice to me whenever I saw you two out together. He will be missed. May God Bless you all.
Sincerely MaryAnn Newquist
Mike White
May 20, 2019
So sorry about about John's passing. He was really one of the "good guys" in life. Whenever he would see you out he would always make it a point to say hi and chat for a few minutes. Just had a nice conversation with John 3 or 4 weeks ago at the VFW; I always enjoyed talking with John and listening to his stories.
My condolences to Kathleen and all his children; I will definitely keep all of you in my prayers!!!
Philip Harris
May 20, 2019
"Sully" will indeed be missed by the Springfield Fire Fighters that he worked with. John was a great guy to be around shift after shift. He was always smiling and usually had a story or two to tell, some were even true.
I always admired John for his caring, compassionate manner in dealing with the public. He served and served well.
God bless and keep you, Kathy and family
Phil Harris,
SFD Retired
Gary & Linda Groves
May 20, 2019
Kathy and family,
We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our thoughts are with you and the family at this time. RIP John!
Gary and Linda Groves
Phyllis Fleming
May 20, 2019
My thoughts are with you during your loss of a good man. He was a good friend to all. Rest in Peace, John.
May 20, 2019
Kathy and family, I was so sad to hear about John's passing. John always arrived at True Colors with a big smile on his face and a great story. He was one of a kind. God Bless you. Barb Perschke
John Hagar
May 20, 2019
Kathy
and family, It is with great sadness that I write this upon hearing of John's passing. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Thank you for your warm visits with cindy and I after moving so far away. We will love you an d John forever. May he Rest in Peace. John and Cindy Hagar.
May 20, 2019
Kathy and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Johns passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. John was one special person..we always loved listening to his stories. Linda and Bob Reed
Sherita Crosnoe
May 19, 2019
Kathy and family,
Dave and I are so sorry to read about John's passing. We sure had some good times back in the day! Prayers to you and your family.
Dave & Sherita
Gulf Shores, Al.
Nance Woodward
May 19, 2019
Dear Kathy and family:
Chip and are deeply sorry to read that John has passed away. He always had a big smile, and a great laugh. Our prayers are with you.
Nance and Chip
Steve Cripe
May 18, 2019
My deepest sympathies Brian and Family.
Ernie Jones
May 18, 2019
Kathy, sorry to hear of Johns passing.....going to miss our good times at Lime Street that we had for many many years..... My condolences to you and family.....
Stacie Cook
May 18, 2019
Sorry to hear ab John's passing. He was my buddy at the VFW. I'm going miss his ornery butt!
Kathy, let us know if you need anything.
Stacie Cook
John Sullivan
May 18, 2019
I knew John all through school and we both lived on spring St. John was one of the nicest people you would want to meet. He was a very hard workin guy and family man
Jaime Francis
May 18, 2019
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear this news. John was such a good guy. I am happy to have known him. I loved hearing him tell stories about my mom... my thoughts are with you and your family.
May 18, 2019
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Kathy, Our condolences to you and your family.
Jay & Joyce Kesinger
Deborah Potts
May 18, 2019
John was a great guy and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and family.
Dick and Linda Potter
May 18, 2019
Kathy and Family,
We are so sorry to see that John has passed. We will always remember him as a happy, friendly guy. It was always great to run into him all through the years. Sending you and your entire family comforting thoughts and prayers. Sincere condolences.
May 18, 2019
Kathy,
So sorry to learn of the loss of "J.D.". It was always a joy to be in his and your presence at Lime Street. He was a great guy and will be kept in our prayers. Are you still a double for Julie Andrews from the Sounds Of Music? God Bless!
Pat Forkin
Carmel, Indiana
Kevin Stern
May 18, 2019
As a rookie firefighter I met John. He was always warm, friendly and interested in me and whatever I was going through at the time. He was a great mentor and tremendous source for encouragement. John used his time and talents sacrificially to benefit us all. He was a good man and will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his entire family.
PHYLLIS STANBERRY
May 17, 2019
TOM & I HAVE SUCH PLEASANT MEMORIES OF JOHN. HIS SMILE WAS CONTAGIOUS. HIS LOSS WILL AFFECT ALL WHO KNEW HIM. PRAYERS REQUESTED FOR HIS DARLING GRANDCHILDREN--CONNOR & MADALYN (OUR GRANDCHILDREN, TOO) HIS CHILDREN--MAURA & BRIAN, HIS SWEET WIFE, KATHY, & ALL OTHER FAMILY & FRIENDS, AS THEY MOURN HIS PASSING.
American Heart Association
May 17, 2019
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
May 17, 2019
Kathy and family we are truly sorry for your loss. What a great guy always had a smile for everyone Sincerely Rick and Francine
Pattie Colby & Lime Street cafe Staff
May 17, 2019
Kathy , We are all so sorry for the loss of John. You are and I thoughts and prayers
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Memorial Events
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May
21
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home - Springfield437 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL 62704
Funeral services provided by:
Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home - Springfield437 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL 62704
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