Bob "Sully" Sullivan, Sr.

Robert John Sullivan, Sr. was a man of Great Loves. Forever at the pinnacle of his affection is his wife of almost 70 years, Kathleen Rose Sullivan nee Dalton. Following his adoration for “Kate,” was his love for their children, their/his many dear friends, his unwavering love of the Catholic Church, his passion for his Irish heritage (he had dual U.S. and Irish citizenships), and his profound affinity for his chosen profession in the Hospitality Industry - where so many of his lifetime of friends first came to know him.

Bob, or Sully to his friends, was born alongside his twin brother Tom on January 9, 1932, to Edward Thomas Sullivan, Sr., and Marie Catherine Sullivan nee Flanagan. When the twins came home, they joined their older sibling Ed, Jr.

The Sullivan family grew up in Redemptorist Parish where Bob attended grade school. Following grade school, Bob attended Rockhurst High School, where in addition to his studies he competed in both baseball and basketball. He graduated in 1949, and the following year was confronted with a nation embroiled in the Korean War. Bob and his twin brother Tom enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where they both served on a ship that patrolled the coast of Alaska near Anchorage. He served until a non-life-threatening accident aboard the vessel rendered him unable to continue his service and he received an Honorary Discharge and returned to Kansas City.

He immediately joined Sullivan Beverage, a Falstaff beer wholesale distributorship that Ed Sr. had founded in 1948. Sullivan Beverage is where he began what was to become a 70-year career representing several different alcoholic beverage brands, in various roles; most of that time calling on bar owners and restaurateurs developing deep relationship and friendship bonds.

Over the next couple of years, Bob would court and marry the great love of his life Kathleen, start a family with the birth of Shawn Anne, and graduate from Rockhurst College while Bob, Jr. was still in the “oven.” Five more children would follow – almost one a year.

Bob served as Vice President of Sales at Sullivan Beverage through 1982 when the company was sold. Following almost 30 years at Sullivan Beverage, he became Sales Manager for Metro Distributing, later Vice President of National Accounts for McCormick Distilling Company, and finally in 1994 he joined Standard Beverage Corporation of Kansas as the Vice President of Beer. He would serve in many roles during the 28 years at Standard - all at a Vice President level. Bob retired from Standard in 2022 at the tireless age of 89. The last 10 years of his career at Standard were focused on relationship building/sustainability and business development at high profile and high-volume key bar and restaurant accounts and mentoring the next generation of sales leaders.

While nothing throughout his career was more important than providing for his wife, 7 children, and often the next generation - their grandchildren, Bob received a great many accolades and awards over his 70-year career – way too many to list. A few events that were notable and dear to him included Sullivan Beverage Company being awarded the right to first import Guinness Stout into the US Midwest. Alongside his dear friend Randall Kelly – the “Gom” – the first Guinness keg was tapped in Kansas City at Kelly’s Westport Inn. Bob served on the Board of Directors for the Kansas City Chapter of the Missouri Restaurant Association. The Kansas Retail Liquor Association bestowed a special Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob. KU Med Center honored Bob with a special award and recognition for his years of contribution as a sponsor liaison for Treads and Threads, one of their top fundraising events. In 2017, at the sprite age of 85, Bob would be selected as Standard Beverage Company’s Employee of the Year.

Bob’s favorite hobby, when not working and taking a break from their brood of kids, was playing golf which he was blessed to play into his 80’s.

Over the years the Sullivan family was a member of several Catholic Churches and Parishes. Catholic priests were often guests at the Sullivan Sunday family dinners. Bob was of deep faith and attended weekly Mass his entire life. In the early 1970’s he volunteered as Head Basketball Coach and help bring St. Thomas More their first city championship.

Both during and at the end of it all he was absolutely and completely dedicated to his wife and family. Bob leaves behind his wife of 69 years - Kathleen; 7 children and their significant others: Shawn Anne and her husband Mark Warner, Bob Jr. and his wife Sally nee Haertling, Erin Marie, Mary Colleen, Maureen Rose and her husband David Gascich, Brian Patrick “Pat” and his wife Kari nee Koberl, and Sean Michael “Mike” and his wife Beth nee Kelly; 10 grandchildren: Bill (Julie), Megan (Alex). Heather, Nicole, Brendan (Meggan), Alex, Kylie, Mikayla (Collin), Bailey, and Reagan; 2 step-grandchildren: Sarah and Mary Kate Kelly; 4 great grandchildren: Lily, Wyatt, Ruby, and Maizy.

Family and Friends of Sully, Sr. may pay their respects to the family on Thursday, between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS. Mass will be held at 6:00 PM. Immediately following Mass, please feel welcome to join the family at a Celebration of Life in the Curé of Ars’ new gymnasium.