Michael D Sullivan

Michael Dennis Sullivan, of Bradenton, FL passed away July 12, 2019 at the age of 78 following a vigorous battle with cancer. He was the oldest of seven children born to Ralph and Mary (Eing) Sullivan and grew up in Columbus, OH. Michael was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Thomas, David, Mark, and M. Jenell Sullivan. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Michaela, daughter Bettina (David Wheeler), son Michael, grandson Brandon, sister Edith Sullivan, brother Ralph (Linda) Sullivan and a number of nieces and nephews. Michael was in the first graduating class of 1958 from Bishop Watterson High School and joined the Army shortly thereafter. He was extremely proud to serve his country for 20 years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam, before retiring and returning home to Columbus, OH. He then worked for nine years at Rockwell International on the B1B (Lancer) and space shuttle. Upon completion of the B1B contract he went to work for the City of Columbus for 15 years after which he again retired and moved to Charlotte, NC with his wife. After retirement he wrote a book on his memoirs and experiences during his twenty years of military service titled “Always Available.” Michael was good-natured, never met a stranger, great story teller, jokester, always willing to help, and generous to a fault. He will be greatly missed from the lives he has touched both here and those he regarded as family in Germany, where he was stationed for a number of years.

A CELEBRATION of LIFE will be held on September 27th in Gahanna, Ohio. We invite Michael's many friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and extended family to celebrate with us at VFW Post 9857 from 4:00-8:00 PM (2330 Stelzer Road, Columbus, OH). Michael had a huge network of friends and we can’t even begin to think of everyone. Please share this information with anyone who may not have electronic access. There will be an announcement in the Columbus Dispatch and local neighborhood news closer to the celebration date.

A gravesite memorial will take place on October 1, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in Sarasota, FL at the Sarasota National Cemetery where Michael will be laid to rest with his fellow veterans.

We look forward to celebrating Michael's life with all of those whose life he touched.

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with final care.