Robert John Sullivan, Sully

Robert John Sullivan (Sully) was born in Minneapolis, MN to Patrick (Pat) and Carolla (Coke) Sullivan on 7-7-1946. He was the youngest of 3. His sisters are Kathy Atkinson and Ruth Roberts. He was on the ski team and was a kicker on the football team.

He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis in 1964 and  joined the Navy for a career that spanned 22 years. He was stationed in Honolulu, Alameda, and Miramar (San Diego )where he raised his 2 children with his first wife Jean. He also served in Bremerton, WA for 1 year. He was deployed multiple times on aircraft carriers and destroyers and was at sea for 6-12 months at a time. He served as Security officer of the USS Belleau Wood. When at home in San Diego, he loved to bicycle and golf as well as take the family on camping trips on the beach at Camp Pendleton. He also coached baseball for the kid’s little league teams and impressed us with his ability to bat right handed even though he was a lefty!

After retirement as a Naval Warrant officer, he was employed by the port of San Diego as a harbor police officer. He loved protecting the public. After retirement from the port, he and his wife Nancy Ross (Sullivan) traveled the US in an RV and settled in Florida for several years, and eventually moved to Columbus, OH. Health issues related to a stroke took their toll on the strong willed Sully, but he kept fighting. He was grateful for the care and attention he received in the past two years. 

Sully is survived by his wife Nancy, his two children, Matt (Marianne) Sullivan and Kelly (David) Ball. His four grandchildren are Kendra Ball, Delaney Sullivan, Derek Ball and Taylor Sullivan. His nieces and nephews include Jennifer and Neil Atkinson, Rachel Jensen and Brian Roberts, Nicole Palmer, Melissa Hazel, Bailey and Ben Widing and Phil Bendik, Stacy Smith and Josh Bendik.

Dad always perked up when we repeated his favorite statement , “we’ve got things to do”. It was a fun way to remind him of his way of nagging us. We are grateful for the push and nagging, and will always remember his well groomed appearance, and polished shoes. You taught us well Dad. We’re glad you knew us all to the end, and we’ll remember your handsome face and deep voice. Rest In Peace , we’ll miss you and we love you.