Joseph W. Sullivan

Joseph Wayne Sullivan (71) of Columbus, OH passed away on March 25, 2023. Joe was born to Bob and Ramona Sullivan on August 21, 1951 in Welch, WV. Growing up, Joe was passionate about music, art, and athletics. His love of art, specifically drawing, led him to pursue a degree in Architecture at The Ohio State University. After graduation, Joe spent just shy of ten years in the field before he decided to embark on a new path and become a founding partner of Sullivan Gray Architects. This began a 40+ year journey of what he loved and felt was his most valuable professional contribution, challenging the way the architectural community viewed rental housing and how the right design could incorporate history while also building and fostering communities. He was passionate about this and found every opportunity to make a lasting impact, from mentoring, to involvement in numerous zoning committees, to serving as President of the Columbus Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). While the partners, and subsequently the firm’s name changed throughout the years, the Sullivan name and his vision remained a pillar of the firm still operating today, Sullivan Bruck Architects.

Joe’s hobbies centered around music, athletics, and his family. Whether it be a piano, a guitar, or a well-pitched harmony, Joe always found an outlet for his musical acumen and especially loved blending this together with his faith and church family. A love for sports kept him actively involved at the Columbus Athletic Club, where he played basketball almost daily until well into his 50’s. He then transitioned to the links, falling in love with the game of golf and the wonderful playing partners it brought into his life.

Joe’s love of family and sports was on full display every Saturday, as he cheered on his beloved Buckeyes alongside his children and grandchildren. While he enjoyed sharing his love of sports with his family, he also shared his professional expertise at every available opportunity. Throughout every stage of Joe’s life, you can see, feel, and experience his love of design and construction. From building their family home on Hill Rd. 36-years ago, to the countless projects at the Holmes house, his attention to detail and love of blending history and design shine through. This culminated in his life’s work, and more importantly, his vision for future generations- Aisling at Buckeye Lake.

Joe is survived by his three children, Matt Sullivan, Joel (Missy) Sullivan, and Laura (Chris) Holmes, as well as his four grandchildren, Anabelle Sullivan, and Jude, Teagan and Emelia Holmes. He is also survived by his sister Kathy (Chuck) Hutzler, along with their children and grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents Bob and Ramona Sullivan, as well as his brother, Bruce Sullivan.

Joe was incredibly passionate about his family and the traditions that came with that. He carried on with those traditions that were passed down through generations, while at the same time creating traditions for his own family. Joe held many titles throughout his life that spanned many eclectic interests, from artist to entrepreneur to musician. However, if you had asked him, he would have told you he was a father and grandfather first and foremost. Joe was fully committed to these roles and provided unwavering support of his children and grandchildren’s interests and activities throughout the years.

Joe’s family will host a memorial service at Schoedinger Northwest (1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221) on Friday March 31, 2023 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to participate in a cause very near and dear to Joe by making a donation in his name to Cancer Support Community Central Ohio at 1200 Old Henderson Rd. Columbus, OH 43220.