Obituaries

On Thursday, October 5th, John Mark “Jack” Sullivan, 86, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by the love, prayers and grateful presence of his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Joyce, his four adult children, Mark (Anne), John (Jennifer), Catherine (“Katy”) and David (Shannon), and his eight grandchildren. A native Chicagoan, he was preceded in death by his parents, John Christopher Sullivan of Glengariff, Cork, Ireland and Catherine Mary (O’Hara) Sullivan of Mullingar, Westmeath, Ireland, and his sisters, Patricia (Puthoff) Walkley and Anne Marie Lundstrom.

Jack was a decades-long HR Manager/Industrial Relations Manager, working as department director in large industrial settings in Hayward and San Leandro. His dedicated service and collaborative spirit consistently won praise from both management and unions alike, and he remarkably never missed a day of work in his professional life. Jack also served on the Board of Directors for St. Rose Hospital in Hayward and as a member of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to beginning his career, Jack graduated from DePaul University in Chicago, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He honorably and proudly served in the United States Navy, joining as an enlisted sailor on the USS Cubera submarine. After attending Officer Candidate School, he served as an officer in one of the Navy’s first drone units, designed to hone shipboard anti-aircraft skills.

After his discharge with the rank of lieutenant junior grade, he and his new bride moved to Fremont, where they were to live 50+ years.

Jack was most proud of his legacy of service – service to God, to nation, and especially to family. He was the Director of Lectors for more than 20 years at Holy Spirit Church, a parish he and his family attended since moving to Fremont. He was also a Boy Scout leader, taught Catechism to adults, and helped implement an employment assistance program through the church.

A devout Catholic throughout his life, Jack was dedicated, hardworking, and faithful. He was generous, patient, kind, and loved his family more than anything. He took great pleasure in his kids’ accomplishments, large or small, and greatly enjoyed conversations with them and other family members. He read so voluminously, especially history and international affairs, that he was on a first-name basis with many local librarians. He loved to listen and learn, with a boundless curiosity.

His lasting legacy in life was gratitude. It is what he leaves in overflowing measure in the hearts of those who have known and loved him.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 19th, 2023 at 10:30AM at Holy Spirit church in Fremont, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Catholic Relief Services.