Reverend Monsignor Jeremiah O'Sullivan

June, 1925 - January, 2021

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Monsignor Jeremiah O’Sullivan, 95. He passed away peacefully on January 5, due to complications of COVID. Father Jerry was born in The Spa, County Kerry, Ireland in June, 1925 to Michael and Hannah Mary O’Sullivan; the eighth child of fifteen. They lived on a dairy farm overlooking Tralee Bay. The eleven boys helped on the farm, while the four girls helped their mother. Though very hard times, they had enough to feed the family as well as many of the neighbors in need. In the summers they would escape down to the water to swim. They loved being in the water.

Jerry joined the Dublin Police force at the age of 20. He enjoyed being a Dublin Garda. He carried a gun with no bullets. He never wanted to hurt anyone; he only wanted to help. Once, as the Dublin rain got heavy, he ran across the street for cover by the door of a jewelry store. When he found cover, the door of the store opened as a thief was exiting. The thief saw a cop, dropped the bag of jewels and put up his hands. Jerry’s supervisor recommended a medal be awarded for the arrest. Jerry explained that it was pure happenstance the thief surrendered, but he still received the medal!

He left the police force at age 24 when he received a letter from his brother, Martin, stating his intention to go to America and asked his brother, Jerry, if he would like to join him. They were sponsored by an uncle in St. Louis, Missouri. After getting their visa, they were on the boat. They lived in St. Louis for 18 months.

Father Jerry had decided to become a priest and in 1951 he entered the seminary in San Diego. He was ordained March 19, 1958. His first Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Sun Valley, CA where his brother, Martin, is a parishioner.

He served at many churches in the San Diego Diocese; starting with St. James in Solana Beach as an associate. He was an associate at St. Pius X, Chula Vista; and Immaculate Conception, Colton. As Pastor, he served at The Immaculata, San Diego; St. James, Perris; Holy Family, San Diego; St. James, Solana Beach; and Sacred Heart, Coronado until he retired in 1996. He continued to help at Sacred Heart as long as his health allowed.

He loved being a priest. His homilies and eulogies for those who had passed were beautifully written and delivered. He had a way with words that could bring you to tears or make you laugh. The many pilgrimages he led to various countries inspired many. He celebrated Mass at Nazareth House a few weeks before he died. The director said she had never seen a resident priest continue his priestly duties until the end of his life. It was very inspirational to those in attendance. He spent hours praying every day and did so much for his parishioners. And they, in turn, did so much for him. While at Nazareth House, his former parishioners from various parishes, as well as family and friends continued to visit him, invited him to their homes for holidays, took him out for lunch and were good friends to him.

Father Jerry had many talents. He loved to paint, especially landscapes of Ireland and flowers. Many of his beautiful paintings were donated to various causes, given to family and friends, and

he kept many as he enjoyed the memories of home. As he was a great photographer, he used his photos as inspiration for his paintings. If anyone has received a card or letter from him, you know his calligraphy was beautiful. Reading was important to him and he collected numerous books. Coming from a musical family, Father Jerry played the violin and loved music. All of his brothers and sisters either played an instrument or sang; and most were very good! Visiting Ireland and family brought him joy and he would visit home often.

People loved Father Jerry and he loved people. He could meet someone once and they would feel they have a new friend. It didn’t matter where you came from or your position in life. He had a gift of being able to connect with others. Friends ranged from anyone on the street to famous musicians, directors, photographers & Hollywood stars.

He is preceded in death by his parents (Michael and Hanna Mary); his brothers: James, Paddy, Sean, Michael, Tommy, Brendan and Eamon; sisters: Bridget and Anne (Sr. Maria Goretti) and nephews: Thomas and Jeremiah. He is survived by his brothers: Martin, Liam and Florry; and sisters: Hannah Mary and Mary. He was a favorite uncle to his thirty-seven nieces and nephews as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He had an amazing life, a great sense of humor, and loved others. He will be missed by many. Jesus, the Eternal High Priest, has called and summoned his faithful servant to be with his Lord, heavenly family, the angels and saints. May he rest in eternal peace.

Due to COVID guidelines, funeral and burial services will be limited in attendance. Funeral Mass will be Friday at 11:00 am PST, Sacred Heart Church in Coronado. The mass will be available live at: www.sacredheartcor.org/worship/live-broadcast (scroll down & Click to Watch). The recorded mass can be seen at www.sacredheartcor.org/worship/mass-video . It will also be available on their Facebook page. To leave a condolence or memory, contact www.GoodbodyMortuary.com located in San Diego. They will also have the mass on their Facebook page. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego.

Thank you to all who loved and helped him throughout his life. Thank you to the nurses and staff at Nazareth House for your loving care.