Thomas Sullivan Obituary

Tom ran a house of creativity, full of so many faces and projects that cycled through the years. But one thing was consistent – Tom. His extraordinary patience and confidence gave birth to the greatest school any kid with an ounce of creativity could have. He was a friend and a mentor beyond every sense of the words.



I thought Tom would be around forever. Considering the lives he influenced, I think he’ll always be.

To the entire Sullivan Family,

Without a doubt, we speak for many parents of "Video Kids", when we offer our heartfelt gratitude to Tom for his positive influence on our children. In the early 90's he inspired many young boys to discover the world of VIDEO! His energy and patience was endless; his creativity, boundless. He opened many doors of opportunity for these teens and the gifts he offered them will serve them well, throughout their lives. Our deepest sympathy on your loss of Tom.

Tom-



You were quite simply an amazing man. I admire your way with young, unruly teenagers, and especially your limitless patience. Even now, I still have great memories of "Western Springs 60558". It was a wonderful feeling to be a part of something like that, and you gave me that chance. Thanks for everything, I will miss you.

~Tom

A truly caring and understanding man, Tom had a profound effect on countless youngsters, including myself. He let us express ourselves in whatever strange (dancing) ways that we wanted, but at the same time guided us and taught us valuable lessons. I don't know if this makes sense, but he was a great guy to just talk to. He made you feel more than just a fourteen year old kid. Thanks Tom for everything, you will be missed.

I remember the start, with the music video shows in Junior High. Then much later you found a place for me to come back in High School and help with Color TV. I was always welcome at the studio, and I'll never forget that. Your patience never ceased, whether it be White Hen runs or dealing with unruly 12 year olds trying to make a TV show. Thank you so much Tom.

Tom-



I can honestly say that you changed my life. You provided an outlet for my creativity and an outlet for my teenage rage. And as much of a hard time that I gave you, you somehow had the patience to put up with me. The memories that I have from making "Western Springs 60558" and doing various "Reality TVs" will always be with me. You inspired my creative work in television and later radio. Thank you for always being there and providing us with the great opportunity to be involved with your life.

Tom,

You gave us so many memories that we will never ever forget. You made us better as people, and showed us a great time. You'll be missed and we'll never forget you.

Tom-

You were always a wonderful teacher and friend. You treated my group and I as equals and it really showed in your teaching. I will always remember your generous and kind nature and your boundless energy. You will be missed by all those students you taught and influenced (including me and my group in Rail 3). Kind, loving men like Tom are few and far between. It was an honor getting to know you.



"A loveless world is a dead world"-Albert Camus, The Plague

Tom,

Your level of patience, generosity, and understanding was something that few people possess. Who else would allow a bunch of overzealous teenage males to have free reign over video equipment worth thousands and thousands of dollars, and then drive them home after midnight (thank God for the Vanogon)? "Thank you" wouldn't even begin to say enough. You were a great role model, even if you did smell like patchouli, and I will never forget your kindness and willingness to allow us to be as creative (or stupid) as we wanted to be. I'm sure I speak for all of the "Video Delinquents" when I say that you will be sorely missed, and that you played a part in helping us to be who we are today.

"When it seems like the night will last forever,

And there's nothing left to do but count the years,

When the strings of my heart begin to sever,

And stones fall from my eyes instead of tears,

I will walk alone, by the black muddy river,

And dream me a dream of my own,

I will walk alone, by the black muddy river,

And sing me a song of my own, sing me a song of my own."-Jerry Garcia



Tom-



You started me in the magic art of Tv and film and you introduced me to the beauty of the Grateful Dead. Now you have joined Captain Trips in heaven to shine down on us all. Thanks for helping me find my way all those years ago.



Peace-



John Kula

Tom, I was always fond of your dedication to your work and was proud to have learned many valuable lessons about television producion under your wing.



I learned many valuable lessons from you, both from television and from life itself.

Tom, you made the Cable Studio an exciting, welcoming place for me at a time in my life when I disliked almost every adult institution that I came in contact with. You changed my life by putting up with me and my friends and taking us seriously as creative people who had something worthwhile to express. I'll miss you, Tom.

Tom-

You taught us all how to play with cameras and Television equipment in Cable studios galore, but more importantly, you taught us to play. At channel 4, channel 6, Rail 3, or Columbia College, you touched and inspired more than you knew. I would always ask you: "How long should we make it?" Every time, you answered, "How long is a piece of string? It's still string whether it's long or short. Just make it good." You made your life good. Thank you for everything. We'll miss you, Sully.

-Tuck

Tom,

Thank you for being a good teacher, wonderful listener, and above all a great friend.

The days and nights at Channel Four will be ones not forgotten, for the words and wisdom you imparted on us is only now starting to make sense.

There's a pint of Guinness and a nice Cuban waiting for ya upstairs, God bless and godspeed Sullivan.

Slainte,

-Kevin

Hey Tom,



You were always a great friend to all of us down at channel 4 and later on at Rail-3. Always able to take our awful jokes, always able to dish it out right back.



I hope you know how many lives you've affected positively, I'm sure you do. Well, I hope you're 'taking it easy'. Take care.

You touched our lives Tom in a very special way. Great memories of 6511, 39th St., and beyond will always be with us.



We are deeply saddened by your passing. Knowing you are with God and your suffering has ended will bring peace to all who loved you. We pray for your Mother, Father, and brothers. Our hearfelt condolences. We know you will be watching over them. Tom truly has a blessed spirit.



Love,



Jerry, Maggie, Marty, Theresa

Tom,



I will always remember your wonderful qualities. Those of tremendous energy, positive attitude, strong character, and unwaivering love for your family.



I truly believe you are in a wonderful and peaceful place. I can hear you now, "Heaven is Outstanding Bro"!



I feel priviledged to have known you and the wonderful times experienced with the Sullivan family in the past and future.



I ask you one favor, please continue to pray for your parents, brothers, sisters-in-laws, and your nieces and nephews.



I will note say good-bye, for we will meet again.



You will always be in our prayers.



With Love, The Hickey Family

(Ken, Colleen, Mary Kate, and Meghan)