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Daniel Sullivan Obituary
The Honorable Daniel J. Sullivan, retired, died on June 19, concluding a remarkable life lived with courage and accomplishment. He was 68. Judge Sullivan was shot in the back as a teenager in Sept. 1974, resulting in a high level of paraplegia confining him to a wheelchair. It did not confine his ambitions or zest for life. Undeterred, Sullivan earned a GED diploma while in rehab. He then completed a Bachelor of Science at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, MO. In 1984, he earned a Juris Doctorate at DePaul University. He began his legal career as a public defender in Cook County. In 1992, Sullivan was elected a Circuit Court Judge as a Republican. Sullivan served 20 years in the Domestic Relations Division of the Cook County Circuit Court, earning a reputation for clearheaded kindness and knowledge of the law. He was a fiercely independent and fun-
loving man who was known and beloved in the community as well as the horseplaying habitues of Arlington Park and Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, where he summered. In addition to his wife, Hon. Susan Kennedy Sullivan, he is survived by his sisters Maureen (Michael) Tedor, Eileen Sullivan, Kathy (Kevin) Kelly, Patricia (Hon. Gerald) Cleary, brother Timothy (Carol) Sullivan. His parents, Therese and Gene Sullivan, as well as brother Gregory Sullivan predeceased. Sullivan was a cherished brother-in-law of John B. Kennedy (Carol Hammerman), Vincent (Caroline) Kennedy, David (Kathy) Kennedy, Jane (Patrick) Fitzgibbons, Mary Kennedy (Joe Drape), Cindy (the late James) Kennedy, Lauretta (the late Royce) Mulholland, and Madeleine (John) Engerman. He was the proud uncle of 35 nieces and nephews, and 19 grand nieces and nephews. Visitation Monday, June 26, 2023, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Services, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077. Funeral Mass Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Saint Juliana Parish, 7201 North Oketo Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631. To virtually attend the Funeral Mass, visit Daniel's obituary page on donnellanfuneral.com to access the webcast. Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery, Northbrook, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Well of Mercy, 6339 North Fairfield Avenue, Chicago, IL 60659. Carmelite Monastery, ATTN: Mother Prioress, Discalced Carmelite Monastery, 949 North River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990.
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Sullivan
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Cindy Farenga
August 24, 2024
Susie, it took me meeting one of your Sacred Heart classmates at the pool today to learn of Handsome Dan's passing. I'm distressed not to have known at the time so I could have paid my respects. I didn't know him well but I knew him in jolly times. You made beautiful music together, Susie. May his memory be a blessing. Cynthia Farenga
Ron Mosena
July 15, 2023
Susan,
I just heard of Dan´s passing so sorry.
In my minds eye I see him reading the racing news at The OTB at Arlington Park..or sitting with him at a Black Jack table at the Desert Inn in Vegas. Or his dad singing "Danny Boy" at you wedding. I also recall going to Ireland with him and The Irish Rovers. All great memories of Dan. Those are the things I will always remember about this great man..
Ron Mosena...
Donna Kazmierski
June 27, 2023
Sending my sympathies to you, Sue and the family. May you have happy memories to fill your soul. Don´t forget I´m in the neighborhood should you need anything.
Sincerely. Donna Kazmierski
Bob Morley
June 27, 2023
I am sorry for your loss Susie. I also share with the entire Sullivan family, my sadness at Danny´s passing. May he be free of pain and Rest In Peace.
We had some great adventures together and Dan was about as good as an older cousin could be. Fishing at dawn in Minacqua and getting caught in the middle of the lake by a fast approaching T - storm; drinking beers at the MOKENY parties; many race days at Arlington; the late night trek to fisherman´s wharf in SF for a shrimp cocktail!
All good times. I see Dan now kicking it in on the anchor leg of the mile relay. He will be remembered.
Your cousin Bob, and Mary
John Legutki
June 26, 2023
RIP, Dan. We worked together in the Cook County Courts when Dan was a young APD and I was a young ASA. Dan was bright, compassionate, hard working and great to be with. He never let his inability to walk interfere with his ability to enjoy life.
A.J. Kozole
June 25, 2023
fellow ND Don
May He Rest In Peace!
Brenda Rossini
June 25, 2023
a tough but fair, responsible judge. Rest in peace.
Jim Doherty
June 25, 2023
Dear Susan, I'm so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. He was truly one of the " good guys " who I was fortunate enough to know. May he now rest in God's loving care, free now from the challenging physical burdens he long endured'
Respectfully,
Jim Doherty
Rhode Island
Gordon Shilkus
June 25, 2023
Kathy and family.
I'm very sorry for the loss of your brother Daniel.
With Heartfelt Condolences,
Gordon Shilkus
Mt. Laurel, NJ
[email protected]
John Rotunno
June 24, 2023
I recently learned of Dan´s passing from a fellow ND Don. As I recall, he was quite the athlete. Same curly hair too. I will always remember those touch tackle football games the "EP Boys v HP Boys" had on the front lawn of St John Brebeuf. Much to the dismay of the janitor and the staff btw. Danny always showed up wearing his Chuck Taylor high top gym shoes.
RIP Sully and I hope to see you and some of the other ND Dons on the other side.
Bonnie Krempasky
June 23, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Maria Bonk Martin
June 23, 2023
I am so very sorry to hear of Dans passing. He was a great guy and wonderful friend of my brother Mark Bonk. My deepest sympathies to Susan and his family. Sincerely Maria Bonk Martin
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