Michael "Mike" SULLIVAN

SULLIVAN, Michael "Mike" Apr 9, 1935 - Nov 17, 2025 Michael "Mike" James Sullivan, 90, of Spokane Valley, WA, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born April 9, 1935, in Flushing, Queens, NY, to Jeremiah Lawrence Sullivan and Velma Clare (Mooney) Sullivan. Mike dedicated his life to service, both in the military and in his community. Mike proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from February 10, 1953, to February 9, 1956, which included over a year stationed in Korea. During his service, Mike was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Following active duty in the United States Marine Corps, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve until February 9, 1961. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps/U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Mike moved his family to the Spokane Valley from New York. Here he enlisted in the Washington State Air National Guard and the Reserve of the United States Air Force until he received an honorable discharge February, 1995 with the rank of Master Sergeant. His commitment to his country was unwavering, and he was a source of inspiration to many who knew him. Following his military service, Mike continued to serve his community as a firefighter with the Spokane Valley Fire Department, where he served for 27 1/2 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. In his retirement, Mike enjoyed keeping up with his health, logging many road miles jogging, which eventually led to walking into his late 80s. He continued to be an avid reader, and he and his wife Margie, always started their day tackling the daily newspaper's crossword puzzle. He also enjoyed woodworking, many a time with a grandchild at his side, ready to assist grandpa with a necessary tool, or pounding of a nail. He made the family dining room table, where family and friends enjoyed a multitude of homemade apple pies with hand-picked apples from Camp Caro in the Dishman Hills, and cheesecakes, which he enjoyed creating from scratch. He also made many picnic tables, adirondack chairs, benches, dressers, cabinets, and more, along with toys, which he enjoyed gifting to his family. The dining room table he crafted for his wife Margie, became the heart of many family gatherings, and center of untold St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Mike was a proud PADDY, and it showed. Mike was also a skilled mechanic and an all-around handyman, always ready to lend a hand with car troubles or home projects. His generosity, craftsmanship, and quiet strength left a lasting mark on everyone he helped. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Marjorie (Margie); his children, Maureen Sullivan-Steward, Jim Sullivan, and Matt Sullivan; his grandchildren, Ashley Cloud (husband Devin), Danny Steward (wife Hayley), Kelley Steward, Finn Sullivan, and many loved nieces and nephews. His legacy of service, love, and dedication will forever be cherished by his family and friends. To our husband, dad, and grandpa – We love you deeply. You are forever in our hearts, and are already dearly missed. A private service will be held at a later date to honor Mike's life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).