Pierce Edward Sullivan

Pierce E. Sullivan sailed away peacefully on May 25, 2022, at the age of 85, surrounded by loved ones at home. Diagnosed at 72 with cancer, he was a 14+ year cancer survivor who never let discomfort or health disrupt his endlessly positive outlook on life.

Pierce grew up in Baltimore, an only child of Eddie & Eileen Sullivan, a fact that led him to hold close connections with his extended Flanigan family and develop a charming talent to make a friend wherever he went. Those who knew him, loved him. In recent years, he took pride in his ability to make even the sternest therapists laugh and smile with him.

Growing up on Gibson Island, Maryland fostered a lifelong love of boating that was a passion, career, and legacy. As a young man he spent time racing Two-man Starboats in the 1964 Olympic trials in Europe. He began his career serving in the Marines. Further on, he was a longtime boat dealer and broker, a job that apparently never leaves you. Just two months ago, a friend in Texas purchased a boat in Florida, and was referred to a boat expert in Maryland. Casually, he inquired if he happened to know Pierce in San Antonio. Happily, he responded "Of course, hes a cousin...tell him to call! " It is a small world, and Pierce made you feel glad to be in it.

His family moved to San Antonio where he attended school at St. Peters and San Antonio Academy. He settled and began a family with his former wife Mary Denny, whose union blessed them with three surviving children, Eileen Sims & Beth Sierra (Silverio) now both in Houston, and Patrick Sullivan (Elizabeth) in San Antonio; and four grandchildren, Tristan & Spencer Sierra and Pierce & Samantha Sullivan, with whom he was always pleased to gather and share wonderful local adventures discovering the citys finest french fries and milkshakes, or off-menu ordering at Whataburger.

Rockport and his beloved boat were a second home to Pierce. A place where island time, and boat drinks with friends were the norm. He loved to praise the community's growth and development over the decades and its ongoing recovery from Hurricane Harvey. He renamed his boat Tenacious, a fitting name that matched his unyielding love of the water and friendships near and far.

He served the San Antonio community, as a loyal member of the Texas Cavaliers for 48 years, and as a dedicated member of the Kings Navy for the annual Fiesta River Parade. While never one for deadlines and details, he always came through in the end with a happy and grateful disposition. He famously once said "I always do the right thing just not right now!"

For more than 40 years, Marijane Gish captured his heart and remained a steadfast and devoted companion. Their genuine love was clear if you ever saw them on a dance floor or shared a sundown cocktail with them. Her endless care over the last two years was selfless and set an extraordinary example of true love.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care and service provided by Dr. Vijay Gunuganti M.D.

Pierce will be remembered at a Memorial Mass on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3303 Urban Crest, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Those unable to attend, may watch the livestreaming through this link.

In in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name, to the charity of your choice, through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, 909 NE Loop 410, Suite 903, San Antonio, Texas 78209, https://www.texascavaliers.org/charitable-foundation/give-a-gift or St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3303 Urban Crest, San Antonio Texas, 78209, https://www.spxsa.church/donate .