Daniel Joseph Sullivan Jr.

Daniel Joseph Sullivan Jr., age 79, of Columbia, Maryland passed on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Dan was born in Port Byron, New York to parents Daniel J. Sr. and Dorothy A. Sullivan and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee.

Dan is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Pat Sullivan; beloved children Lisa Sullivan and Joe Sullivan both of Columbia, MD; He is predeceased by his cherished son, Brian. Daniel is also survived by his dear siblings, Esther Gideon and Linda King, sister-in-law Peggy (Dr. Kin) Dempsey, brother-in-law Robert (Judy) Jones, James (Bonnie) Jones, Don (Marion) Jones, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan Sr. and Dorothy Sullivan of Memphis and his brother Robert Palmer of Michigan City, Indiana.

Dan's academic journey led him to earn his Bachelor's degree at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee, and his PhD at Notre Dame, of which he was immensely proud. His professional life was marked by dedication and service, working at the Alabama Committee for the Humanities and holding notable positions as the Director of Development for both the Diocese of Birmingham and Archdiocese of Baltimore. He shared his enduring passion for learning by teaching at the University of Notre Dame, McNeese State University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as Birmingham-Southern College. His career culminated as an English professor at the Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dan was deeply engaged in his faith and community. He was a devout Catholic and participated as a daily communicant until his health no longer permitted. He was an active member of his church prayer group and bible study, with the Knights of Columbus in Louisiana, and participated as a member of the Church's Cursillo Retreat Program among other Church activities.

Those who knew him witnessed not only his profound faith but also his devotion to family and friends and love of country. He was beloved for his dry Irish wit, sharp intellect and gentle spirit. He was compassionate to those marginalized, particularly the disabled. He found joy in reading a wide array of topics and staying informed about current events. In his leisure time, he enjoyed engaging with fellow seniors at the Laurel Senior Center and was an avid Ravens, Orioles, and Fighting Irish fan.

A visitation for Dan will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's of the Mills Catholic Church, 114 St. Marys Place, Laurel, MD 20707. A committal service will immediately follow, Meadowridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Labre Indian School in Montana https://give.stlabre.org/page/146069/donate/1?CHOSEN=50. Or the Heart Failure Society of America (Heart Failure Research Foundation) https://members.hfsa.org/donate-now?reload=timezone