Paul R. Sullivan

1933 - 2022

Paul R. Sullivan

Paul R. Sullivan, Sr. passed away peacefully on October 6, 2022, at The Goerlich Center in Sylvania, Ohio. Paul was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 15, 1933, to Teresa and Cornelius Sullivan. He was one of six children of the Sullivan family. He grew up in Jamaica Plain spending winter afternoons skating on Jamaica Pond and summer afternoons hopping on 'The T' to Fenway Park to watch his favorite player, Ted Williams, warm up what he called "the most beautiful swing." He attended Cheverus School and Boston College High School. Paul excelled on both the baseball diamond and hockey rink. He attended St. John's Seminary College attaining a Bachelors in Classics. He also served in the US Army from 1956-1958. Paul married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth A. Harney, on June 27, 1959. Their blessed union lasted 52 years, until his beloved wife Beth's passing in 2011. A job in Federal Adult Probation brought the newly married couple to Toledo, Ohio. Paul and Beth raised seven beautiful children. Living in The Old West End, as active members of Rosary Cathedral parish, they met some of their lifelong friends and enjoyed many morning cups of coffee after late evenings of drinks and lively conversations. The family then moved to the Old Orchard neighborhood spending summer evenings swimming in the backyard pool and hosting many University of Toledo Homecoming Float and Parade Parties in the fall. Paul spent most of his career at the Child Study Institute in downtown Toledo. He retired at the early age of 53. While 'retired', he enjoyed working for a few years at The Andersons Wine Shop. He settled into retirement full time by volunteering at The Claver House on Monday mornings, spending Tuesday and Thursday mornings drinking coffee and eating a donut or two with friends, and a standing lunch date with dear friends at Jing Chaun on Fridays at noon.

Paul once remarked he would like people to remember him by the words: "faith, family and friends." He shared his faith by his example, knowledge of theology, and adoration of St. Francis of Assisi. He also had a great admiration of the Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, so much so that his wife, Beth, enrolled Paul in the International Thomas Merton Society. Paul drew on his faith for strength through numerous health issues in his adult life. He also was an active member of Corpus Christi University Parish and enjoyed faith discussions and attending symphony concerts with fellow parishioners. As he got older, he looked forward to Saturday afternoon mass and dinner afterwards. Nieces and nephews have shared memories like "faith-filled," "passion for religion," and "a wonderful life of faith."

His family meant the world to him. His seven children will dearly miss his kind heart, gentle manner and shoulder to lean on. He leaves behind nine grandchildren who adored spending time with Grandpa at family gatherings, as well as one great-grandchild, who he was able to meet via FaceTime a few weeks before his passing.

He had many dear friends he met through work and church. He and Beth had a very special group of friends, The Potluck Group, who met regularly for dinner and good conversation for many years.

Paul was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Beth; and his siblings, Christine McMillin, Clare Bullock, Phyllis Mahaley, Philip Sullivan and Larry Sullivan. He will be dearly missed by his children, Paul (Jackie), Neil (Laurie), Richard (Lori), Mary, Kathleen Mattimoe (John), Tracey, and Jeanne Sullivan Guerin (Marshall); his grandchildren, Pavel Sullivan (Sarah), Megan (Kyle Rutledge) and Sean Sullivan, Tommy (Sarah), Jacob and Will Sullivan, Katy and Molly Mattimoe, Margaux W. Guerin; and great-granddaughter, Wendy Mae Sullivan; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Anne Sullivan and Carol Harney; and dear friend, Pat Regan.

Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., on Friday, October 14 from 2:00- 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 15th at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi University Parish. The mass will also be livestreamed at www.ccup.org <http://www.ccup.org>/live. The family will great guests starting at 9:00 a.m. Interment services will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Corpus Christi University Parish, 2955 Dorr Street, Toledo, Ohio 43607 or Lucas County Metroparks.

www.coylefuneralhome.com