Fr. John Sullivan

Father John Sullivan, age 98, of Glen Ellyn. Son of the late Clarence and late Pauline Sullivan; Brother James Sullivan, the late Thomas P, late Mary S. Comstock, late David K and the late Susan T. Stokes; Uncle of Douglas S. Comstock, Brian J. Comstock, Margaret M. Cescolini, Elizabeth M. Comstock, Timothy J. Sullivan, Sheila Comstock, Kate Gamewell, Liza Hipshen, Renee Stokes, Daniel Stokes, David Stokes, Brian Sullivan and Kelly Sullivan.

Fr. John Sullivan was a Catholic Priest in the Diocese of Joliet for 72 Years. He loved his priestly duties and was a very kind and compassionate man. He was the oldest Priest in the Diocese at the time of his death. He attended Saint Petronille grade School (Glen Ellyn, IL), Immaculate Conception High School (Elmhurst, IL), Quigley Preparatory Seminary (Chicago, IL) and University of Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary (Mundelein, IL) where he earned a Master of Divinity.

He served the Catholic Daughters as Chaplain and many other Catholic organizations thru the years.

His hobbies included golf which he commonly played with his fellow Priests and later some his parishioner friends, playing cards (bridge with family and friends) among other things. The things he liked most were: to sit down to have a good meal with fellow Priests, family and friends (he loved to eat), Friday golf outings with his friends and going to dinner afterward. Often showing up late after dinner, at the retirement home and having to get the security guard to let him in the back door many times – he made friends with the guard very shortly after moving in.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 12th  from 4-8 PM with a Vigil Service at 7PM at St. Petronille Church, 420 Glenwood Ave. Glen Ellyn. Visitation will also be the next morning (May 13th) at church from 9-11 AM, followed by Funeral Mass at 11 AM. Interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to: Saint Petronille Parish or Diocese of Joliet Office C/O Development and Stewardship, 16555 Weber Road, Crest Hill, IL 60403. For more information please call Leonard Memorial Home at (630) 469-0032.

Father John Sullivan was ordained to the priesthood 72 years ago on May 1, 1954, at the Cathedral of St. Raymond by Bishop Martin McNamara.

His assignments included:

Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus - Joliet                         Parochial Vicar                   May 1954 – June 1958

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish- Coal City                Parochial Vicar                   June 1958 – June 1962

St. John the Baptist Parish – Winfield                                      Parochial Vicar                  June 1962 – 1963

 St. Luke Parish - Carol Stream                                                    Pastor                                   June 1963 – 1969

Notre Dame Parish - Clarendon Hills                                        Pastor                                   July 1969 – June 1972

St. Rose of Lima Chapel – Kankakee                                        Assistant                              July 1972 – June 1976

Mary Queen of Heaven Parish – Elmhurst                            Parochial Vicar                   June 1976 – August 1977

St. John the Baptist Parish – Winfield                                      Parochial Vicar                   August 1977 – July 1983

St. Peter the Apostle Parish – Itasca                                        Tem Parochial Vicar         July 1983 – December 1983

St. Joseph Parish - Downers Grove                                          In Residence                      Dec 1983 – February 1984

Good Samaritan Hospital - Downers Grove                          Chaplain                               Dec 1983 – February 1984

St. Joseph Parish - Downers Grove                                          Parochial Vicar                   Feb 1984 – June 1989

Immaculate Conception Parish – Elmhurst                            Parochial Vicar                   June 1989 – June 1995

St. Petronille Parish - Glen Ellyn                                                 Parochial Vicar                   June 1995 – May 2003

St. Petronille Parish - Glen Ellyn                                                 In Residence                      May 2003 – February 2025

Fr. John retired in May 2003.

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