Philip James Sullivan, 81, was born on June 8, 1934 in Portland, ME. He attended Boston College and graduated in 1957. Shortly thereafter, he married Carolyn Jeanne Riley and together they raised five children.
Philip began his professional career in the U.S. Army, but after a few years he gained employment with the Internal Revenue Service, where he worked for over 30 years. Although his career took him and his family to many different locations, he spent the last 35 years of his life in Birmingham, AL and called it home.
Philip retired shortly after his wife Carolyn’s death in 1993 and has enjoyed the many benefits of retirement for the last two decades. He remarried in 1995 and recently celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary with Elaine McLeod Sullivan.
Philip is survived by his wife, Elaine; and by his five children, Carolyn Songey (and Richard), Terri Marsh (and Thomas), Sharon Mills (and Ralph), Philip Sullivan, and Matthew Sullivan. He is also survived by his siblings, James Sullivan and Florence Berry; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Philip was a man of integrity, passion and loyalty. During his career, he was a dedicated, hardworking employee. He was also dedicated to fitness and loved to root on his favorite team, namely the Boston Red Sox. Even in retirement, he maintained his enthusiasm for fitness, numbers, finance, and certainly for baseball. He enjoyed some travel, particularly to Destin, FL, which was his place of peace and tranquility. He also enjoyed visits to/from family and friends.
Philip died peacefully at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham on Monday, November 23, 2015, surrounded by his family. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, with an 11 a.m. viewing prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to the Special Olympics.
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