Howard LeRoy (Bud, Sully) Sullivan

Howard LeRoy (Bud, Sully) Sullivan, age 93, a resident of Chesterland, OH, for more than fifty years, passed away on March 5, 2025, at home following a brief battle with esophageal cancer. Bud was born April 15, 1931, to Blanch Hollabaugh (nee Leimbrock) and LeRoy Sullivan in Cleveland, OH.

He grew up in Cleveland, Aurora, and Rootstown, OH . Following graduation from Edinburg High School in 1949, he attended Hiram College prior to joining the army in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1954 as a Lieutenant. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering (1958) and a MS in Engineering Administration (1962) from Case Institute of Technology. In 1956, he married Sally Ann King and together they raised a family of three sons and a couple of beagles. Bud and Sally supported their children and grandchildren in their interests and endeavors.

Bud had a 38-year career with Parker Hannifin, which took him on many business trips around the country and world. On two of these trips, he survived major earthquakes in Los Angeles (1971) and Mexico City (1985). Many he worked with considered him a friend and mentor. He retired in 1993 as Vice President of Operations/Fluid Connectors Group.

Bud’s retirement was almost cliche, with many wood working projects, golf outings, trips to the family condo in Myrtle Beach, SC, and more books and crossword puzzles than can be counted— all things he enjoyed. He patiently took care of Sally as she battled dementia. Bud remained active and independent until the last weeks of his life, enjoying many breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with friends and family, as well as a good cigar and daily 4 pm cocktail time (dry Beefeater martini on the rocks with a twist).

He is survived by sons Patrick (Karen), Matthew (Robert Hilliard), and Michael (Sharon Thoma); and grandchildren Daniel, Maddy, and Bridget.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sally, mother Blanch, and sister Lois.

A gathering to celebrate Bud’s life will be held at a later date.

Special thanks to Doris Sawyer, Lizzy Jackson , and others who helped take care of Bud in his final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bud’s name to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).