"Tom was always so kind and a lover of my country, Portugal. I worked for him helping with the website, so sad to hear he left us. He was funny and last time I saw him was in Portugal about 9 years ago and he was still smoking! Then Rest in peace. We will miss you. "
In loving memory of
Thomas J. Sullivan
March 12, 1930 - July 3, 2011
Thomas J. Sullivan, 81 died unexpectedly Sunday July 3, 2011 at his home in Dresher.
Born in New York, NY, he was the son of the late Jerome and Clara (nee Kalemba) Sullivan.
Mr. Sullivan enlisted in the United States Navy in 1947 at the age of 17. In 1950, he was attached to the VC-35 attack squadron aboard the USS Valley Forge. When hostilities broke out on the Korean peninsula, the Valley Forge was sent from its home port in Japan and participated in the first offensive actions of the conflict. Mr. Sullivan remained in the combat theatre for 7 months and was later transferred to USS Princeton for the remainder of 1952. Future posts would include San Diego Naval Air Station and Willow Grove NAS. He retired from the navy in 1956.
Mr. Sullivan went on to graduate from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in 1959 and the College of New Jersey in 1988 with a Masters degree in Psychology.
Mr. Sullivan worked as a Senior Systems Engineer for the IBM Corporation in the Philadelphia Area prior to his retirement in 1986.
He was also a pilot and flight Instructor at the former Turner Field in Horsham.
He spent his early retirement years consulting on computer programming with General Accident Insurance, became a Corvette enthusiast and amateur drag racer.
Mr. Sullivan also traveled numerous times with his wife throughout the country of Portugal. His love for this country and its people led him to develop one of the first extensive websites devoted to traveling and exploring Portugal in the early 90's.
Mr. Sullivan was a member of St. Alphonsus Church in Maple Glen.
He is beloved husband Theresa (nee Mc Cann) Sullivan and is the devoted father of Krista (Phil) McElroy of Dresher, PA, Thomas J. Sullivan Jr. of Philadelphia, PA, John (Andrea) P. Sullivan of Flourtown, PA, Kerry Maginnis of Chestnut Hill, PA, Kathleen (Todd) Rodebaugh of Chalfont, PA, Michael (Roseanne) B. Sullivan of Ambler, PA. He is the loving Grandfather of Brian, Tara, Shaune, Ryane, Patrick, Curran, Erin, Dillon, Emma, Molly, Maggie, Christian, Marley, and Jack.
Relatives and Friends may call Thursday July 7, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Anton B. Urban Funeral Home, 1111 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, and Friday July 8, 2011 after 10:00 AM at St. Alphonsus Church, 1563 Temple Drive Maple Glen. Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Msgr. Thomas Owens, Pastor as Celebrant. Interment will be in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.
Remembrances in his name to SobrietyGroup.com 95 James Way Ste. 119A Southampton Pa 18966-3847 would be appreciated by the family.
Tributes
"Tom - we are very sorry for the loss of your father. Our deepest condolences to you and the entire Sullivan family. If you need anything at all, you know we are here for you ... even if it is just an ear to listen to funny stories or a shoulder to lean on. Sincerely, "
"You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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"Please accept our deepest sympathy for the lost of your loved one. Death is so unatural and difficult to deal with. Please know your family are in our prayers and wishing you find comfort through your precious memories with him. "
"So sorry for your loss. We send our love to the Sullivan family. Katie you and your family are our treasured friends. Love Debbie and Jeff Hack "
"The family 1969"