Henry F. Sullivan Jr.

Henry F Sullivan Jr., Major USAF Retired passed away on March 28, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in Newport, Rhode Island to Margrethe C. Hedenskog, of Arendal, Norway, and Henry F. Sullivan, of Newport, Rhode Island. He was the youngest of seven children growing up in Newport. He was known as "Hiyi" Sullivan. He graduated from Rogers High School in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon graduating, he entered the United States Air Force and received his commission in 1954 along with his rating as navigator. While stationed in San Antonio, he married his wife of over 54 years, Martha Ritchey of Paris, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, all of his siblings and his only son, Henry F. Sullivan III. He is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Ann Brewer and his only granddaughter, Darby Ann Brewer, both of San Antonio, Texas.

Prior to his wife's death, while in the Air Force, tours included Tachikawa AB, Japan, Kadena AB, Okinawa, and Mather AFB, California, before retiring from Randolph AFB in 1972. He had attained over 12000 flying hours in various aircraft. While serving in Vietnam he received numerous awards for his service:

● Distinguished Flying Cross

● Air Medal with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

● Presidential Unit Citation

● Air Force Outstanding Award with Valor and three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

● Good Conduct Medal

● National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star

● Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

● Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star

● Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters

● Armed Forces Reserves Medal

● Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

● Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

● Vietnam Campaign Medal

He was elected into Membership of the Institution of Navigation, at the Royal Geographical Society, Kensington Gore, London on January 15, 1968.

He received his Associate's degree in Social Sciences from Sacramento City College. Henry was a dedicated family man who enjoyed being at home when he was not working. He enjoyed building and restoration projects. Some of his projects included building multiple motorized mini cars, a hover craft, and a wooden 20-foot sailboat. He and his wife, Martha, enjoyed restoring antique wood furniture. Henry also rebuilt the original engine and repaired the body of a 1932 Ford.

After serving 20 years in the United States Air Force, he and his wife retired in San Antonio where he was employed by the CPA firm, Ernst and Young until retiring after sixteen years as an office manager and printing supervisor. After retiring from Ernst and Young, he was employed for four years at Six Flags Fiesta Texas as a Service Writer. He enjoyed cycling and jogging, oil painting, doing crossword puzzles and really enjoyed the company of his daughter, Kim and granddaughter, Darby Ann. In his later years, he enjoyed building Legos and playing with the family dog, Tilley.

Lo, there do I see my father.

Lo, there do I see my mother, and my sisters, and my brothers.

Lo, there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning.

Lo, they do call to me.

They bid me take my place among them,

In the halls of Valhalla,

Where the brave may live forever!

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 11:00 am at Mission Burial Park South 1700 SE Military Dr

San Antonio, TX 78214

In lieu of flower please make donations to Guide Dogs of Texas.