Obituary of Robert Walter Sullivan, Sr.
Robert Walter Sullivan, Sr.
Robert Walter Sullivan, Sr., of Shorewood, formerly of Joliet, passed away peacefully at the age of 87, on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Hospital. He was born in Butte, MT, on August 15, 1937, the oldest son of the late Jeremiah and Dorothy (nee McGillen) Sullivan. Robert was a graduate of Anaconda Catholic Central High School. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Robert furthered his education and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis. He started his career as an EMT instructor at Silver Cross Hospital and retired after many dedicated years as a Mental Health Counselor at Palos Hospital.
Robert was a longtime active parishioner of St. Jude where he enjoyed singing in the choir. Robert’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding it with integrity and love.
Robert was also a loyal supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, from music to sports – you could count of him to be there, especially for Providence football games. His passion for bicycling embodied his enthusiasm for life as he often spent his free time exploring the scenic routes around his beloved hometown with the Joliet Bicycle Club. His love for life echoed not just in biking but also in his artistic pursuits. A gifted musician, he played several instruments with a finesse that brought joy to many gatherings. Also, his love of poetry and painting had a special impact on his family.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Janet Kay (nee Merideth) Sullivan; his children, Mary Colbert, Joseph (Heidi) Sullivan, Michael (Pam) Sullivan, Katherine Ann (Vance) Greeson, Lori (Joseph) Kayfish, Barbara (Greg) Hodges, Theresa (John) Talarico, Robert Sullivan, Jr., Evelyn (Jeff) Reid, and Dorothy Faust; grandchildren, Casey Colbert, Jacob (Todd Siddons) Colbert, Andrew, Brenna, and Kyle Sullivan, Katelyn (Dan) McHale, Heather (Kevin) Rauschenberger, Nicholas (Amanda) Greeson, Ashley (Brandon) Ramthun, Elizabeth, Alex, and Robert Kayfish, Ryan (Misty) Vitolka, Logan Hodges, Anthony, Mary, Dominic, and Sofia Talarico, Haleigh Sullivan, Max (fiancé Iris) Sullivan, Emma Reid, Ryann (James) Jacobazzi, and Caden and Addison Faust; and his great-grandchildren, Colton, Jacob, Kaylyn, Aurora, Orien, Tristan, Walker, Juan, and Baby McHale on the way. Robert is also survived by his siblings, Jerry (Karen) Sullivan, Dorothy (Curtis) Bates, William (Patti) Sullivan, Judy Sullivan, James (Sharon) Sullivan, Terri (Mike) Brown, and Sherri Kendall. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
He is preceded by his parents; and his brother, Allen “Spike” Sullivan.
Funeral Services for Robert Walter Sullivan, Sr. will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Queen of Apostles Parish, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, IL, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.
Family and friends are invited to meet at the information center at 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood where interment will take place with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Navy and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
