Art was born in Melrose, Massachusetts on November 29, 1937 to parents Arthur and Madeline Sullivan. He graduated from Winchester High School and went on to earn a degree in Chemistry from Boston College. Growing up in the greater Boston area fueled a deep-rooted passion for the Boston Red Sox and his alma mater that he maintained throughout his life. Boston was also the place where he met and later married his first wife Cynthia Cooke Sullivan who preceded him in death in 1989. Art and Cynthia were married for 28 years and were blessed with four children: Arthur, Dina, Glenn and Jill. Following Cynthia’s passing, Art met and later married Carmi Kelly, who was a devoted wife and his loving companion for 21 years until his death. Art’s children can’t possibly express enough gratitude to Carmi for her never-ending dedication to Art throughout their time together, and especially during Art’s final days.
Arthur was well known for his passion of sports. He was an accomplished baseball player and later developed a love for golf that stayed with him for over five decades. He was a member of Lakeside Country Club for 35 years, served both as president and as a member of the board, and never missed an opportunity to “tee it up” and chase that elusive 72. Anyone stepping into his house couldn’t miss the plaque that memorialized his round of 69, his crowning golf achievement. Art also had a passion for protecting children. He proudly served as a Child Advocate within the Harris County court system and he spoke earnestly about representing children who have no voice but need protection.
Art spent a vast majority of his professional career in the medical/laboratory supply field. He brought his family to Houston in 1972 to join Curtin Matheson Scientific as a sales manager. He was later promoted to National Sales Manager and V.P. of Governmental Affairs. After leaving CMS, he held a number of positions mostly within the medical and laboratory supply fields until retirement.
Arthur is survived by his wife Carmi Sullivan. His children: son Arthur Sullivan and wife Heather and children Hannah and Luke; daughter Dina Ormiston and husband Jim and children John and Cynthia; son Glenn Sullivan and daughter Kendall; and daughter Jill Sullivan and children Taylor and Haley. Stepson John Kelly and wife Amy and children Skylar and Rylee; and stepson Jimmy Kelly and wife Robin. Survivors also include his brother John Sullivan and wife Leah, brother Peter Sullivan and wife Kathleen, brother Tom Sullivan and wife Ann, brother Paul Sullivan and wife Donna, sister Nannette Shanahan and husband Richard, and sister Madeline Emmons and husband Nelson. Sister in law Cathy Hathaway and husband Walter; sister in law Marsey Johnson and husband Ivan; and brother in law Michael Devins. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Art was preceded in death by his father Arthur Sullivan, mother Madeline Sullivan and wife Cynthia Sullivan.
Arthur will be interned on Monday March 10, 2014 at Forest Park Westheimer at 11:00 a.m. and a memorial mass will follow at Prince of Peace Catholic Church at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Vasculitis Foundation or a charity of your choice.
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