Joseph "Joe" Cornelius Sullivan

Captain Joseph C. Sullivan, of Spring, Texas a career Naval Aviator, beloved husband and father, treasured grandfather and new great grandfather passed into the loving arms of His Father on March 9, 2022, in his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born March 18, 1942 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to American parents, he was the middle child with two brothers. Joe moved to the United States when he was only sixteen to begin school at Maur Hill Preparatory in Kansas. He continued his education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Engineering in Miami Florida. Fulfilling his dream to fly, he proudly joined The United States Navy becoming the second youngest Naval aviator behind George H.W. Bush and later obtained his degree at the Naval Postgraduate school in Monterey California.

Beginning his distinguished military service in Pensacola, Florida and then flight training in Corpus Christi, TX he also began a love affair with his future bride Sandy, who was beginning her nursing career at Spohn Hospital. The two married soon after meeting and worked quickly to build a life together before war time demands sent him to Vietnam on an aircraft carrier. Upon his retirement after 25 years of service, Joe began a second career in 1982 as a successful entrepreneur. He built a business that incorporated his children and it would go on to grow and thrive under the leadership of a father son duo at the helm for the last 32 years. Joe and Sandy recently celebrated their 57th Wedding Anniversary surrounded by the family they created. Joe is survived by his wife Sandra Taylor Sullivan of Victoria, TX, his eldest son Joe Sullivan and wife Carey, his daughter Shannon Hooper and husband Hooper, his daughter Stacey McCoy and husband Jim. His grandchildren Shelby, Maggie, Morgan and Taylor Stephenson, Luke and Grace McCoy and great grandbaby Rory. His brother John Sullivan and wife Margie and brother Tom Sullivan and wife Janie. His in-laws were like blood family to him and he treated them as such. Loving each of them and treasuring their relationships and those with their children. Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church on March 23rdat 11:00 with full military honors to follow at The Houston National Cemetery at 1:30. Reception to follow at the American Heritage Funeral Home adjacent to the cemetery.