Brian Patrick Sullivan

Brian Sullivan died at St. Agnes Hospital on November 4, 2014. He was 26. One of Brian's triumphs was to graduate from Cedar Lane School in Fulton, Md. in 2009. He was known for his gentle and positive attitude even in the face of difficulties. He was born with Down Syndrome and lived with complicating issues such as Autism Spectrum and a stroke which he suffered at the age of eleven.

He exhibited great determination in battling the effects of the stroke in terms of physical limitation, but he also struggled successfully with the frustration of severely damaged speech capability. He worked very hard to overcome behavioral issues coming from his frustration and inability to communicate easily. He was an inspiration to many who observed him.

Brian loved the music of children singing and being out in nature. His quiet, almost pensive demeanor while being outdoors impressed many observers. In some way, his gentleness seemed associated with these experiences. He was also a very affectionate person. Hugs and pats on the arm were his responses to many a good deed done for him. It seemed to be his way of thanking those people when he found it so difficult to speak.

He is survived by his parents, Pat and Dan, and his siblings Joe and Lisa, all of the Columbia area. He also has extended family in Tennessee, Georgia and Wisconsin. He will be missed.

Family will receive friends on Monday, November 10th from 3-5 & 7-9PM at Witzke Funeral Homes, Inc.; 5555 Twin Knolls Road; Columbia, MD 21045. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10AM, Tuesday, November 11th at St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church; 114 St. Mary's Place; Laurel, MD. Interment in Meadowridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Down Syndrome Clinic at Kennedy Krieger Institute or to the Arc of Howard County in his name.