Obituary of William J. Sullivan
William J. Sullivan, age 84, of Shorewood, IL passed away peacefully Friday, October 22, 2021.
Bill was born on September 15, 1937, in Joliet, IL to the late Mary Veronica (nee Steffes) and Raymond P. Sullivan. He married JoAnn Metes on May 25, 1963, and they spent 58 beautiful years together. They lived most of their lives in Joliet, IL where they raised their four children: Bill (Tricia) Sullivan, Mike (Debbi) Sullivan, Peggy (Dr. Mark) Christensen, and Karen Sullivan.
Bill is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Joseph, Michael, Grace, and Sean Sullivan; Jack, Hannah, and Molly Sullivan; and Dane, Brynn, and Reed Christensen.
Preceded in death by his parents, his brother Raymond Roger Sullivan, (the late Sylvia), his nephew Shaun Sullivan and many aunts and uncles.
Bill attended St. Raymond’s school and Joliet Township High School. He went on to graduate from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, and then proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1080 and also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 382.
Bill worked 30+ years as a Pharmaceutical Representative at William H. Rorer, Schering, and Sanofi-Aventis. Upon his retirement in 1999, he and JoAnn traveled throughout the country with their camper. His favorite places remained Colorado and the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where his family continues to gather for Family Reunions. Bill was an animal lover, and he enjoyed the companionship of his many beloved dogs. Bill loved the outdoors, be it camping, hiking, fishing, taking pontoon rides, spending time at CECO, or bike riding. He was a great storyteller and loved sharing his tales with his children and grandchildren around the campfire and dinner table. Family meant everything to Bill, and he loved nothing more than attending any and all events throughout his life, first as a Dad, then as a Grandpa.
He reveled in his Irish heritage and was a proud member of the Irish American Society. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with him was always special. His smiling Irish eyes and fun personality always lit up a room. He was also a lifelong Chicago White Sox and Green Bay Packer fan.
With the amazing help of his loving wife and caretaker, JoAnn, he was able to live many good years, despite his advancing Alzheimer’s. He never lost his sense of humor or quick wit. Bill spent his 84th Birthday at home with his loving family around him, celebrating and enjoying his favorite drink, a Manhattan.
Visitation for Bill Sullivan will be Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet from 4 – 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Enshrinement will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill’s name to Lightways (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice), the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or you may visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
