Thomas Bernard Sullivan, 83, a longtime Hinsdale resident, passed away peacefully Feb. 11, 2020.
Tom was a long-time fixture at St. Isaac Jogues Parish for the last 30 years, where he served on the Parish Council and as the director of administration under five pastors. He played an integral part over the years in numerous capital campaigns and multiple improvements to the physical plant of the parish, including most notably the parish center, narthex and church addition projects, and most recently the opening of the SIJ preschool and the refurbishment of the church tower. In addition to these large capital projects, he also was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the parish.
Mr. Sullivan was born in 1937 in Chicago as the second of three children of James and Ann (Kurina) Sullivan. He attended St. Patrick’s High School in Chicago and upon graduation enrolled at DePaul University, where he first demonstrated his propensity to use his time productively, earning bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees, receiving an officer’s commission in the U.S. Army Reserves and, most importantly, meeting his future wife, Midge. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Tom and Midge settled in Oak Park, where they were active members of St. Giles Parish before moving to Hinsdale in 1973 to continue raising their four children.
Tom worked at a number of banks throughout his career, culminating at Heritage Bank of Shorewood where he was the bank president. Throughout his career in banking, he was responsible for ensuring the integrity of the bank’s loan portfolio as well as its compliance with all federal and state regulations. Among the many loans he and his team made was a loan to Joe Robbie to purchase the Miami Dolphins. He often laughed that he and many others turned down free tickets from the team because back then no one in their right mind would pay to fly to see something called the Super Bowl. After retiring from banking, in addition to his position at St. Isaac Jogues, Tom served as a U.S. Bankruptcy Court Trustee for many years until his retirement in 2018.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia Gifford; his son, Thomas Bernard Sullivan Jr.; and his granddaughter, Payton Toole Sullivan.
He is survived by his wife, Midge (Grandpre) Sullivan of Hinsdale; his brother, Jim (Stephanie) Sullivan; his daughter, Mimi (Greg) Moore of Hinsdale; his sons, Michael (Wendy) Sullivan and Terry (Meg) Sullivan; his nine grandchildren, Kaileigh Moore, Nash Moore, Elisabeth Moore, Mallory Moore, Sydney Sullivan, Finn Sullivan, Terry Sullivan Jr., Tommy Sullivan and Holden Sullivan; his nieces, Meg (Kristen) Sullivan and Lee (Jim) Connors; and many other relatives.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, in the Parish Center at St. Isaac Jogues Parish, 306 W. Fourth St., Hinsdale. A brief memorial service and a funeral Mass will follow.
Internment is private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Isaac Jogues Heritage of Faith project, 306 W. Fourth St., Hinsdale, IL 60521 or to the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607.
Sullivan Funeral Home Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
