Kevin Sullivan

Kevin Sullivan of Arlington, VA passed away on February 8, 2025 at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington.

Born in Brooklyn, NY to Raymond Sullivan and Anne Carey Sullivan on May, 11, 1944, Kevin attended St Michael's, Xaverian High School and received his BA in Languages and Theology from Catholic University in 1968 and his MA in French from New York University in 1972, attending summer school sessions at Reid Hall in Paris, a city he came to treasure and return to time and again.

From 1962-1980, Kevin was a member of the Congregation of the Brothers of St Francis Xavier, a time in his life he cherished and which bestowed upon him lifelong friendships.

The inspiring teachers Kevin had at Xaverian, from the Brothers and at Catholic University solidified his own attraction to the teaching profession and he became a beloved and dedicated teacher. After moving from New York to Virginia, Kevin worked for a few years at the Rice Millers Association in Arlington. But his heart drew him back to teaching. For him, it was never a job but a vocation. For twelve years at Xaverian High School in Brooklyn and for decades at Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, he taught English and French but through his deep commitment to his students he touched hearts, opened minds and changed lives. He planted in multitudes of young people the seeds of curiosity and a love of learning that forever enhanced their lives. The lasting friendships Kevin maintained with so many of his students for years, even decades, is a testament to his care, concern, influence and devotion. He has left a remarkable legacy.

Kevin was rich in the most important way possible, loved and admired not for what he had but for who he was and what he gave to others. He made his family, friends, students and colleagues feel seen because he was truly interested in them and their lives. Kev was a fighting Irishman in all the right contexts. A troublemaker in the best possible way, he was always willing to take on anyone to fight for what he believed in, typically on behalf of others, using his intellect and persistence to work for fairness and equity for his students and colleagues.

Kevin had a profound gift for languages, literature and music but, above all, for life, love and faith and he shared those gifts unreservedly with everyone he knew.

While a quintessential New Yorker, Kev cherished the Irish countryside and treasured frequent escapes to the cabin ("Wood Nook") in the Shenandoah Valley he and his partner, Jeanne, shared and loved so much.

One of Kevin's most beloved books was The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery which contains this quote: "It is only with the heart one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." Kevin saw everyone with his strong and loving heart.

Kevin leaves behind his partner of 44years of life and love, Jeanne Roslanowick; his sister Mary Ellen (Ray) Fleck; his niece Gillian (Matt) Minardi and his grandniece and grandnephew Lucy and Clark; his nephews Raymond (Jessica) Fleck and Danny (Kerry) Fleck; his niece Alexandra (Nico) Roslanowick, his Goddaughter and niece Natasha (Seb) Roslanowick, his niece Sarah Vermauwt and his "belle soeur" Servane Ronin; and his beloved friend Ruth McGoff.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks for their loving care and concern to Dr. Christopher McManus, Dr. Michael Notarianni, Dr. John Feigert, Dr Allcock, Dr Davis and all the professional and technical staff on 4B and the IRC of the Virginia Hospital Center; and to Joe, Lucy, Alicia, Alex, Nate, Kate, Becky, Roger, Jenae and Mila from Avalon Home Care.

Family and friends will be welcomed on Thursday, February 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA. On Friday, February 28, the funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria with Father Peter St. George officiating. A private burial will follow on March 3 at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, VA.