John C. Sullivan, Jr. 65, died Monday, March 16, 2015 in Panama City, FL. John lived in Enola, PA with his wife of 22 years, Nancy L. (Kelsall) Sullivan.
John’s heart finally had enough; he had a massive heart attack at a hotel in Destin, FL and the Manager was able to successfully perform CPR. I had 2 more days to say how I felt and he expressed his feelings too. Dr. N. Reed Finney from Bay Medical Center in Panama City performed a successful double by-pass but John’s heart just had too much damage. I want to take this time to say thank you to all the doctors and nurses on the 4th floor in CVICU Unit, their dedication and love gave me 10 more days with John. John was born June 14, 1949 in Harrisburg, PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John C. Sullivan Sr. and Angeline D. J. (Osalkowski) Sullivan, his step-mother Lillie M. (Rohacek) Sullivan, daughter Kelly C. and Mother-In-Law, Norma J. (Hewitt) Kelsall. John attended Bishop McDevitt High School, then graduated from Steelton High School in 1968, served six years in the Air Force, stationed in Fort Walton Beach, FL, graduated from HACC and received his degree at Catonsville School of Mortuary Science in MD. He was married for 17 years to Hannah Pugh (died 2010). Together they had three children, Scott Sullivan (wife Susan) of Enola, PA, Matthew Sullivan (wife Aimee) of Enola, PA and daughter Kelly (died 1980). They had 5 grandchildren, Kelsi and Karli Sullivan, Brittany Stockdale, Matthew and Ella Sullivan. In 1993, John married Nancy L. (Kelsall) Sullivan. He had a step-daughter Lisa M. Dructor (husband Matt) of Harrisburg, PA, and a grandson Dominic Jackson Dructor whom John loved dearly. Brothers-In-Law Stephen D. Kelsall of Harrisburg, PA and Barry L. Kelsall of CA.
John is also survived by his sister, Carol L. (Sullivan) Smith (husband Frank) of Williamsburg, VA, who have 4 sons, Edward of Newport, RI, Tim (wife Dolores) of Williamsburg, VA, Todd (wife Lydia) of Toano, VA , Bryon (wife Penny) of Williamsburg, VA and 11 grandchildren. John had a step-brother, Jake (wife Nancy) Thorn, and a step-sister, Donna Thorn. Uncle, Jerry Sullivan who lives in The Paxton Street Home, Harrisburg, PA. Also surviving is a half-brother, Dr. A. Jerry Stransky (wife Colleen) of Santa Fe, NM. John truly loved his family, Aunt Trudy Reider of Steelton, Aunt Tessie Higgins (husband Bernie) of Hamburg, NY, cousins, Patty Wintergrass (husband Paul) of Steelton, Billy Reider (wife Karen) of New Cumberland and Tommy Reider. John had a special closeness to his cousin Daniel J. Sullivan III (wife Linda M.) of Carlisle, PA, cousins, Thomas J. Sullivan (wife Carol) of Camp Hill, PA, Michael P. Sullivan (wife Kathy) of New Cumberland, PA, Teresa C. Sullivan of Camp Hill, PA and Elaine M. Sullivan of Harrisburg, PA and Great Aunt Anna E. Roberts of Harrisburg, PA.
As a teenager John played the accordion and helped wash cars at a funeral home in Steelton. He also worked at Rozman Brothers in Steelton, Pennsy Supply in Harrisburg, and a local funeral home in Enola. He had an early desire to be a State Trooper however; God had a different path for him. With the help of the Richard Miller family of Enola, John found his true calling; he started his own business, Sullivan Funeral Home 51 N. Enola Dr., Enola, PA in 1983 which continues to serve the community today.
John considered his clients as family and treated them all with compassion, respect and comforted them all at their time of loss. His business thrived because of his dedication, hard work and his respect for the needs of his families. John was a pillar in the community and was respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the Enola American Legion Post 751 for 35 years, was a former member of the East Pennsboro Twp. Parks and Recreation Board, was a current member of the East Pennsboro Lions Club, and Enola Sportsman’s Association. John also enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball.
He enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean. He was a mentor to Raj Lalwani of Royal Jewelers Aruba who we have known since 1994. Closer to home, he took numerous shorter trips north where Pat and Dave Ruberto of Charlestown, RI became close friends. Pat and Dave helped John and I with the wedding reception for our daughter, Lisa on the Island of St. Maarten. John also loved Spring and Summer, sitting on his patio talking to family and whoever stopped by. We loved to walk, collect antiques and talk about all the things we were going to do together.
John touched so many people’s lives with his thoughtfulness, quick wit, and charisma. His kindness and generosity were appreciated by many. When John walked in a room, the dynamics changed with his energy and sense of humor. John loved to agitate and tease all family members especially his nephews in VA.
Out of respect for John’s wishes, there will be no viewing or service. A private celebration of John’s life will be held in the near future that will include family and close friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Paxton Ministries, 2001 Paxton Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111.
I would like to thank Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services Panama City, FL for caring for John. Also Mario and Windy Billow for all their help and guidance through this difficult time.
Rest in peace my love; you will be greatly missed by your family, friends and the lives you have touched.