John William Sullivan

Born August 24, 1934, Mr. Sullivan graduated from New Trier High School; Georgetown University; and Northwestern University (MBA). He married Susan Reynolds in 1960. She was the absolute love of his life, and he had just completed a book to celebrate Susan’s 80 years of life. He adored his five children and 13 grandchildren.

Mr. Sullivan began his career in Chicago at Skil Corporation, founded by his grandfather, and father, Bolton, whom he revered. He launched the international operations for Skil in the early days of the EU common market. At age 30, he became president of Skil, the youngest president of a NYSE company. Mr. Sullivan established one of the very first profit-sharing plans in America for employees - a very progressive business idea at the time. He successfully expanded and grew Skil, and sold it to Emerson Electric in 1979.

In 1973 Sullivan and three friends purchased the Reading Railroad in bankruptcy. Mr. Sullivan relocated to Philadelphia in 1982 to lead and grow Reading, developing its real estate in the city and rejuvenating the Reading Terminal Market. Subsequently, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan established full time residency in Loblolly Bay, Hobe Sound, Florida. In 1986 the Sullivan’s purchased land across the street where they developed Loblolly Pines Golf Club, a golf course community with a Pete/P.B. Dye course. The Loblolly community today is comprised of wonderful, generous members who enjoy time with family and friends, in addition to being philanthropic in the local community. The Loblolly legacy continues as one of Mr. Sullivan’s proudest accomplishments.

A lifelong golfer, Mr. Sullivan loved his time on the course, shooting his age or better, numerous times. He was a very loyal friend who loved to travel and golf with his buddies, most of whom called him Sully. He always enjoyed time with his friends from YPO, CEO, and U.S. Seniors. Mr. Sullivan devoted much time to quiet philanthropy and remained active in the business community. Mr. Sullivan loved to play piano and guitar. He could often be found singing with grandchildren, playing piano with a scotch nearby, or entertaining Loblolly members with the Loblolly Singers. His witty sense of humor and love of music provided great joy to his family and friends.

Mr. Sullivan was loved and respected by his children and grandchildren and will be missed dearly. He is survived by his wife Susan, and his children Bolton, Jennifer Sanford, Gieriet (Ted Bowen), Kathy Sullivan (Chris Tate) and John, Jr, in addition to his thirteen grandchildren: Marshall, Grace, Landon, Fitz, Bolton, Gieriet, Blake, John, Blake, Johnny, Maeve, Charlotte, and Finn.

A Memorial service will be held Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 15001, SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, Florida 33455.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the United Way of Martin County, Martin Health Foundation or Loblolly Community Foundation, John W. Sullivan Legacy Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Aycock Funeral Home Young & Prill Chapel, Stuart, Florida.