Rev. Father John Patrick Sullivan

Fr. John P. Sullivan, who served as a priest in California parishes for over four decades, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023 in Sacramento. He was 90 years old.

John Patrick Sullivan was born on June 30, 1933 in Lodi, Calif., the fifth of seven children of Eugene E. Sullivan and Ann E. Farrell. He grew up on the family dairy and vineyards near Galt, and graduated from Galt High School in 1951. 

With the Korean War in progress, he was drafted into the army in 1953 and bravely served as a field medic in the 2nd and 7th Infantry Divisions in Korea. After returning home, he worked at The Crane Co. in downtown Sacramento, and later as a computer operator at McClellan AFB. Then in 1963, he made a Cursillo weekend, a life-changing experience that led him to pursue his vocation to the priesthood.

He entered the seminary at age 31 and studied at St. Nazarene High School and Mt. St. Paul College in Wisconsin, and then four years at St. Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park, CA.  He was considered a “late vocation” and showed his patience and sense of humor as he became known among the younger students as “Dad, Gramps, Seneca, and old man.” His vocation was fulfilled as he was ordained a Catholic priest on December 16, 1972 by Bishop Alden Bell at Blessed Sacramento Cathedral.

Fr. John Sullivan served as pastor or assistant pastor in many parishes in California. He was appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Fort Jones, CA in 1974 and reminisced, “I stayed there eleven years, three months, and fifteen days and loved every day of it.” He studied Spanish to say the Mass in Spanish and communicate with parishioners.   He later served at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, in Colusa, and St. Patrick Parish, in Placerville. After retirement he assisted at Holy Trinity Parish, El Dorado Hills; Holy Family, Citrus Heights; St. Lawrence, North Highlands; St. Francis, Sacramento; and at the Sisters of Mercy, Auburn every Tuesday for 14 years.

After retirement Fr. John Sullivan moved to the Chateau on Capital in 2015, then Mercy McMahan Terrace in 2021 where he enjoyed friends and family, reading, gardening, and building bird houses that were gifts or auctioned for his beloved charities. For those who would like to continue his work and generosity, in lieu of flowers please make donations to Mother Teresa Maternity Home, or Upper Room Dining Hall, both in Placerville.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters Bill Sullivan, Margaret Kozlowski, Sheila Stetson, and D. Timothy Sullivan. He was preceded in death by siblings Eugene Sullivan (1989) and Terese Sullivan (1949). He also leaves behind 27 nieces and nephews and countless friends.

A Vigil Service will be held on Thursday Nov. 2 at 6 pm, location still being decided, please visit W.F. Gormley & Sons website for location or call their office on Monday. A funeral Mass will be held on Nov. 3 at 12:00pm at St. Francis of Assisi at 1066 26th Street, Sacramento. A reception and then burial will follow.   

Fr. John Sullivan was known for his humor, wisdom, generosity, and faithfulness. He loved God and his family, friends, and parishioners with all his heart. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. 

He left this final message with his typical sincerity and characteristic chuckle, “I think I can say that I have served God and His people to the best of my ability.  I have no regrets (no major ones at least!).  I thank family and friends who have been so good and generous to me over the years.  I will keep you in my prayers now and always. Goodbye, Adios, De Colores and God’s Blessing.”  —Fr. John