Roger James Sullivan

On Tuesday, September 11, 2018, Roger James Sullivan peacefully passed away. He was the beloved husband of Joan M. Sullivan (nee Cullity); devoted father of Eileen Simollardes and her husband James "Simo", Roger "R.J." Sullivan and his wife Michelle, Annie Derzak and her husband Christopher and Matthew Sullivan and his wife Suzonna; loving grandfather of Kelly Simollardes and her fiancé Matt Bauerle, Steven Simollardes, Thomas, Katie and Anna Sullivan, Christopher "C.J." and Abigael Derzak; dear brother of the late Patricia Elliott and Diane Campagna.

Roger was born in Wakefield, Mass. to Roger and Dolores Sullivan. He was the quintessential older brother to Pat and Diane, protective and provocative by turn. He met Joan - his life’s partner and best friend – in high school – 59 years later she was still “Roger’s Gal”

Roger and Joan had four children – of whom they are extraordinarily proud. Roger was at his happiest when his kids and their spouses (the outlaws because after all outlaws are always “wanted”!) were sitting around (especially at happy hour!) solving the world’s problems. While he was of course the world’s best Dad, his favorite role was that of Grampy to his seven grandchildren. They could do no wrong in his eyes. He would just grin that big old gap toothed grin of his at everything they did!

Roger was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army – including two tours of Vietnam. He was a proud, principled, patriot. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Roger’s other loves included all things Boston – Boston Red Sox, Boston College (proud graduate of the class of 1959!) and Boston Terriers!

He was blessed during his life with many close friends –everyone who knew him loved him and while he will be deeply missed – we have memories and laughter to comfort us until we see him again.

We invite you to share a memory of Roger with us. If you will be with us on Friday, please join us after the funeral mass to celebrate Roger’s life at Liberatore’s in Bel Air where we will be sharing good food, drink, companionship, stories, tears and most importantly, laughter, honoring this extraordinary man. Our loss, is, without question, Heaven’s gain!!!!

Relatives and friends may gather at Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air, Inc. 610 W. MacPhail Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 on Thursday from 6 to 8 PM. A Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Bel Air on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Those desiring may direct expressions of sympathy to the WoundedWarriorProject.org or Catholic Charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at:

www.schimunekfuneralhomes.com