Thomas Edward Sullivan, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 13, 2018. He was born June 18, 1929, in Marlette, Michigan the son of John and Carmen Sullivan. He is survived by his close friend Ronald L. Wilson of New Orleans, four children Timothy P. Sullivan (Estes Park, Colorado); Thomas M. Sullivan (Humble, Texas); John K. Sullivan (Newbury Park, California); Margaret (Peggy) M. Hare (Bowie, Maryland); his ex-wife Betty Rae Brisse; and seven (7) grandchildren. Two brothers predeceased him: Peter Sullivan and Donald Sullivan and two sisters Dorothy Koharchik and Donita Sullivan, M.D. Tom graduated from Central Michigan University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Teaching. In 1964, he received a M.S. Degree in Vocational Administration from the University of Michigan and in 1970 earned a second master’s degree with high school counselor certification. Throughout Tom’s professional career he held several public education positions: high school teacher; junior college teacher, high school counselor, and over his last 19 years worked in administration as Vocational Director where he was also responsible for supervision of the high school Guidance Department. After retiring, Tom moved to New Orleans where he lived his last 26 years. Tom enjoyed his retirement, kept active in managing several rental properties but still made time for his passion to travel which included Ireland, Russia, Mexico, South Africa, Canada, South America, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Spain, and Morocco. Being an educator at heart, he could not completely remove himself from his role as a mentor and advisor to young people. Tom, along with his close friend Ronald L. Wilson, assisted numerous individuals in advancing their education beyond high school. Through their assistance, emotional as well as financial, at least 25 individuals were able to pursue a college education. They attended Oklahoma State University, Missouri Southern, Southeast Missouri State University, Western New Mexico University, Western Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Texas at Kingsville. In addition, he played a significant role in managing and organizing the law office of Ronald L. Wilson. His decision to relocate to New Orleans made it a better place for all who came into contact with him and he will be dearly missed.
Tom loved flowers but if you choose to donate, please donate to one of Tom’s favorite causes, the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana https://action.aclu.org/give/support-aclu-louisiana.
A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at Felicity Church, 1220 Felicity Church, New Orleans, LA 70130 at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2018.
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