John Joseph Sullivan

Born in 1929 in the Bronx, New York, during the height of the Great Depression, John was the eldest son of Eileen and Patrick Sullivan, Irish immigrants who journeyed through Ellis Island to begin a new life in America. Patrick, a skilled cabinet maker, supported the family until his untimely death when John was just 12 years old. From a young age, John demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility, taking on various jobs to help his mother, Eileen, support his younger brothers, Robert and William.

John graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, where the Sullivan brothers were known for their academic brilliance and determination. His excellence earned him acceptance into both the United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA) and the United States Coast Guard Academy. Ultimately, he chose to attend USMA, graduating in 1952 at the height of the Korean conflict.

On the day of his graduation, June 4, 1952, John married the love of his life, Loretta Riske. Together, they embarked on a journey that would span 72 years, raising five children—Dawn, Terence, Keith, Kenneth, and Dolan—and building a life filled with love, devotion, and partnership.

In October 1952, as a young second lieutenant, John deployed to Korea, serving as a company commander until the end of the conflict in July 1953. He then attended Columbia University, where he received a Master's Degree in English, after which he taught English at West Point for three years.

John's distinguished military career continued through the years. In 1966, he was called to serve in Vietnam, where he led a battalion with distinction. Throughout their marriage, John and Loretta traveled the world, living in Japan, England, and several posts in the United States while he served in various capacities as a United States Army officer. John retired from the Army at the rank of Colonel in 1974.

For the next 15 years, John worked as the Director of Educational Credit at the American Council of Education, where he was regarded as a thought leader in his field. He also earned his MBA from George Washington University during this time.

John loved his family, his country, and his West Point classmates, with whom he served proudly and with great humility. He was a man of diverse interests, enjoying the opera and theater, savoring fine wine, and cherishing fellowship, especially during his family’s annual Christmas party. With a passion for growing dahlias and a voracious appetite for reading, his love for nature and knowledge enriched the lives of those around him.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Loretta, and his brothers, Robert, William, and Baby Edward. He is survived by his five children, Dawn, Terence (Anita), Keith (Susan), Kenneth (Ginny), and Dolan (Delia). John and Loretta were also extremely proud of their 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, along with a large extended family who will miss him dearly. John's legacy of service, resilience, and love will be remembered for generations to come.

A service to honor John’s life will be held at the Fort Myer Chapel, with burial to follow at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans in John’s memory.