John Lowe Sullivan

Husband to Alma; father of Andrew, Matthew (predeceased 1998), Patrick (Nancy) and Mary Kate (Leonard); grandfather to Henry and Violet; and uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Fort Erie, John was the only son of Charles and Martha Sullivan. He grew up on the Niagara River where his parents owned Sullivan’s Fish and Chips. His love of building things was evident from an early age, from his workbench in the corner of the restaurant basement and from the first boat that he built and raced.

A graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., John went on to have a remarkable career in life support sciences. His contributions included breathing equipment for health care, firefighting, and the NASA space program. Many of his inventions are still in use today.

A mechanical engineer to the core, John could perceive the solution to a tricky problem before many could state what the problem was. In his spare time, he built two sports cars and made most of the furniture in his home.

An avid golfer, John was a member of Bridgewater Country Club for nearly 50 years. In his younger years, he played varsity baseball and hockey at M.I.T.

John’s family is grateful for the exceptionally compassionate care he received at Niagara Falls General Hospital.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Erie. A private family interment will follow. Following the funeral, please join the family at Bridgewater Country Club to share some memories. Benner Funeral Services has been entrusted with arrangements.