Frank Dennis Sullivan

After a long full life, Frank Dennis Sullivan passed away quietly at home with family due to old age. Born December 17,1929, in Hancock, Mich. Raised in Houghton, MI. After graduating from Houghton High School, he joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California, where he served in the Korean War. He returned to Michigan and obtained his Bachelor of Education from University of Detroit, (a Jesuit school) . While studying in Detroit, he met the love of his life, and forever dance partner Eleanor (Ellie) Margaret Bock. He offered marriage on the condition they spend the rest of their lives in California because he loved the California Sun. She said yes to both.

Frank’s first teaching position was in Gilroy, CA. . They relocated to San Jose, California where they would spend several decades raising their family. Frank taught Spanish and History for Saratoga Unified School District. While working, Frank obtained his Masters in Education from San Jose State. During summer months, the Sullivan family loved to travel. In total Frank and Ellie visited many countries. The highlight was the year Frank took a Sabbatical and the whole family explored Europe in a VW Camper(14 countries). Everyone learned a lot and they collected enough funny stories to last a lifetime.

After retirement, the couple settled in San Diego County to be near their daughter Heidi. For many years they lived in Solana Beach and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Hawaiian Ukulele Club. Frank always enjoyed work, so he worked part time into his 80’s. Recently, the Sullivans relocated to Fallbrook, California.

Frank was a kind, open minded man who loved to meet new people of every culture. He never turned down a good meal and was quick to find the humor in a situation. He was an amiable guy who liked to spend time with family and friends and also loved to learn. He spoke 4 languages and also taught ESL. Frank remained a faithful Catholic throughout his life, a source of comfort and guidance always.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Loranna Sullivan, sister Barbara Garvey, brother-in-law’s Dr. John Garvey, and Henry Key.

He will be greatly missed by the family he leaves behind, wife Ellie Sullivan and daughter Heidi Sullivan (Fallbrook, California); son Dennis Sullivan (Ponderay, Idaho); sister Mary Key (San Jose, CA); grandsons Oliver and Roan Sullivan (Ponderay, Idaho); niece Kate Garvey (Laguna Niguel, CA); nephew Greg Key San Jose, CA) and John Garvey (Streamwood, Il).

Interment: October 19, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. at The Mira Mar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122.

Followed by Celebration of Life at The Bali Hai Restaurant From 330 - 730 in the Village Room at 2230 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106.