David J Sullivan

PEKIN ~ David Joseph Sullivan, 71, of 2800 Sheridan Road, passed away at 6:45 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2009 at his residence.Born October 22, 1938 in Sioux City, IA to William and Leona (Schuler) Sullivan, he married Cheryl L. Watkins on August 11, 1962 in Peoria.  She survives.Also surviving are one son, Dan (Brigette) Sullivan of Pekin; one daughter, Holly (Larry) Payne of rural Green Valley and five grandsons, Bret Sullivan, Zachary Sullivan, Carter Sullivan, Braden Sullivan and Jake Payne.His parents preceded him in death.A graduate of Alleman Catholic High School in Rock Island, Dave went on to play basketball at Western Illinois University in Macomb and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1962.Following college, Dave first taught and coached basketball at Nauvoo.  He then was a teacher at Youth Farm in Peoria until 1969.  Following a move to Pekin in 1969, Dave joined his wife's family business, Pekin Glass & Mirror Company, where he was an owner/operator until 2007.  He then continued to work at Pekin Glass to support its third generation of family ownership, Dave and Cheryl’s son and daughter.  He enjoyed teaching classes on stained glass.Dave enjoyed watching and playing the game of basketball and especially enjoyed spending time with his family.  He was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Archbishop Schlarman Council 3507, both in Pekin.  He also was a member of Pekin Moose Family Center 916.His memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, December 14, 2009 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.  Father Timothy Nolan will officiate.  Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, December 13, 2009 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.  Private burial will be in Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Saint Joseph Catholic School, 300 South 6th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Pekin Union Mission Society, 203 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.