Obituary: John Edwin Sullivan Sr., M.D.

John Edwin Sullivan Sr., M.D., resident of Sarasota died on Oct. 31, 2011. He was born on Feb. 14, 1925.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marianne; three daughters, Ella M. Johnson, Julie A. Sullivan and “Betsy” Smith; four sons, Dr. John “Jack” Jr., Gary M., Greg H. and Christopher A,; and nine grandchildren.

Dr. Sullivan was a Family Practice physicial for fifty-five years. Dr. Sullivan was born on a farm near Rochester, Minn. on Valentine's Day, 1925. After graduating from Stewartville, MN High School in 1942, he volunteered for the United States Merchant Marine, where he saw service in Genoa, Italy during World War II. He then served in the Army of Occupation in Kyoto, Japan. An experience on board ship in which a crewman was saved following an emergency appendectomy inspired him to pursue a career in medicine.

He was a 1955 graduate of Creighton Medical School (Omaha, NE). Upon completion of his internship at Mercy Hospital (Des Moines, IA) in 1956, he opened his practice of family medicine.

Dr. Sullivan moved his family to Sarasota in 1968 where he continued his medical practice. During his many years of service to others, he compassionately tended to the needs of patients from all walks of life. His tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to his patients provided inspiration to the medical community in which he worked.

He maintained his credentials as a Board Certified Family Practitioner throughout his career. A few of his numerous accomplishments include President of the Sarasota County Medical Society, Lifetime Member in the American Academy of Family Practice, founding physician of St. Martha's Health Clinic, executive committee member at Sarasota Memorial and Doctor's Hospitals, and recipient of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Lifetime Achievement Award.

A self-taught jazz musician, he played saxophone with the 296th Army Band in Japan, and toured with territory bands in the Midwest during college. His musical passion and talent continued for the rest of his life.

Dr. Sullivan was one of seven children of James and Ella (Goggin) Sullivan. Surviving are Dorothy Lair, Burnsville, MN; Lawrence "Buddy" Sullivan, Cleveland, OH; and William "Paul" of Seattle, WA, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 at Toale Brothers Colonial Chapel, 40 No. Orange Ave., Sarasota. A funeral Mass was held at noon, Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, and A Celebration of Life, in honor of Dr. Sullivan, took place Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center, 2451 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239 or at sarasotapregnancy.org, 330-2273.