For John Sullivan, a perfect evening found him sitting outside on the patio he built, enjoying pizza and a cold Hamm’s with family and friends, swapping stories, and showing off his abundant garden handiwork.
John, 61, of Woodstock, a teacher, gardener, and lover of the outdoors, died July 15. He was born in Chicago to John Sullivan and Mary Ann Conrad Sullivan and grew up in a close-knit family of five sisters and one brother in Glenview. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1984 and began his teaching career in the north suburbs. He taught social studies and coached track and soccer at Glenbrook South High School—his own alma mater—for 33 years, and made an impact in the lives of all his students, players, and coworkers, many of whom he stayed connected with through a regular schedule of postcard-writing. He was also tireless in his work for his community. He volunteered countless hours for the McHenry County Conservation District and for the Family Health Partnership Clinic (although for that last one he was more of a draftee than a volunteer). In his spare time, he headed outside; besides his family, his most prized possessions were his bike and his kayak, both of which he used as frequently as he could up until the very end. He was a lover of nature and all creatures great and small.
He never forgot a birthday and would send your horoscope to prove it. He was selfless to a fault. He would insert himself into situations to lend a hand, whether it was wanted or not, then argue with you about how you actually did need help. It was best to give in and allow it. Most importantly though, he was a kind, funny, and loving husband, father, brother, and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Hoban; his children John (fiancee, Maggie Gomberg), James, and Clara; his sisters Mary Hart (Chuck), Margaret Sullivan, Maureen Stephens (Dennis), Terese Sullivan, and Marilou Sullivan; his brother George Patrick (Lisa), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and treasured neighbors and friends.
Mr. Sullivan, Johnny, Big John, Sully, husband, dad, brother, uncle, role model. He represented the best of all of us and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of Sully’s life will be held Friday, July 28 from 4-8 p.m. at Goebbert’s Farm, 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove. Remembrances will begin at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Family Health Partnership Clinic (hpclinic.org) or McHenry County Conservation Foundation (mchenryconservation.org).
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on line condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Sullivan family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers.
John was an incredible colleague and friend who made his students better scholars and his fellow teachers better instructors. But mostly he made people smile and laugh and will Always be remembered for that.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. My sympathy to you, Suzanne, your children snd family. May memories give you comfort and his work and love of life be always remembered.
I am still somewhat in shock dealing with the loss of my cousin and fellow long time fellow teacher John. Hugs to your family and friends as they too deal with this loss. John’s Mom and Dad instilled in all of their kids the importance of family, and they thought of extended family to include neighbors and friends. Cousin Johnny obviously learned and modeled that lesson well. Love from Rich and Joanne across the lake in Michigan.
Uncle John was simply the best and that rare type of person you were lucky to know. Always a goof at family events and a friend when you needed one. I even got to call him a co-worker for a short time! Our family is heartbroken but I am so happy to have had him as an uncle. He was so loved and will be missed dearly.
Couldn't have asked for a better person to have my desk next to the years I taught at GBS.
Prayers go out to you Suzanne, your children & family. I did not have the privilege of knowing John but all that I have heard he was a special man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
We were saddened to hear of John's passing -- much too soon. May memories sustain you during this difficult time and into the future. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
What a lovely tribute. Your John sounds so much like the George Patrick Sullivan we know. Now we can guess his role model and inspiration! Our sincerest condolences to John’s wife, kids and family and to Pat and Lisa Sullivan and extended family. We’re very sorry for your loss. It is unimaginable to lose a brother, uncle, spouse, father and friend so young. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Love, the McNallys
We were shocked and heartbroken to hear this news. No words are enough in times like this. May the wonderful memories help comfort you.
So very sorry for your loss, George
I met John at recreational soccer where he volunteered his time and supported his children in learning good sporting behavior. More men like him would make the world a better place.
To the Sullivan family, I am deeply sorry for your loss, and I hope you find solace in celebrating an incredible man. Mr. Sullivan was one of the best teachers I’ve had. He opened my eyes to new perspectives, made class engaging, and was very patient with all of his students. Despite my sometimes outlandish behavior, Mr. Sullivan made an effort to be patient with me, meet with me, and help me learn. He truly made an impact on each and every student he interacted with, whether it was a conversation, a hello, or something as small as a smile. He always told me and my classmates, “Never change my friend,” and I hope he hears me when I say, “Mr. Sullivan, never change my friend.”
We didn't really know John from more than through family stories, and they were all such wonderful, delightfully funny stories! Our family got to meet him recently at a family reunion and had a great time chatting and laughing with him. It was such privileged to have had the chance and we are sending so much love and sympathy to you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Sorry for your loss, Sullivan family. John was a great man and will be missed by all who knew him.
Please accept my deepest condolences to you Suzanne and your family. I was privileged to know John, his love of everybody who joined him on the road we go on. I am sorry, that he left us and we will go on without his smile, his love. He will be in our hearts until we meet again. I am 5 thousand miles away and yet I am with you in these hard times.
So sorry for your loss, George.
Suzanne, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. My prayers are with you and your family for healing and comfort during this very difficult time. I did not know him, but he clearly has left behind a legacy of kindness, laughter and joy.
John and I bonded freshman year at the University of Illinois. Thereafter it didn't much matter how long it was between visits. The connection was strong and the laughter came easy. I'm grateful for last month's get together with John and Tommy and Bill; grieving that it was our last. Rest in peace, John Sullivan, so glad to have known you. Prayers to Suzanne and the family.
Condolences to all who knew him. Suzanne and family, the community is here to offer support as needed moving forward (I know you know this!). I am SO very sorry for your loss ~
My deepest sympathy. Love and prayers to you Suzanne and to the entire family.
To John and Maggie and the rest of your family, our thoughts are with you. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Suzanne we are extremely sorry for your loss. It seems very clear that he was a light of inspiration and hope for all who were fortunate to have had him in their lives. Prayers to you and your family in this time of need.
To Suzanne, Terese, and countless friends and family, I can't express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. John was always someone who could make me smile at family functions. His zest for life will always be remembered. May we all be glad that God blessed us with his presence.
So Sorry for your loss
Suzanne, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. John sounds like an incredible man. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Suzanne, My heartfelt condolences and sympathies to you and family on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief and sadness. May you find peace and solace through John's life and significant contributions he made to humankind.
Suzanne, I am so very sorry for your family's loss. I didn't know John for a long time but I am aware that the world was a better place for his presence. I am praying that fond (and funny) memories will comfort you and your family.
Suzanne...we are so sorry for you and your family's loss and wanted to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Suzanne, I am praying for you, your children, and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless and keep you in these difficult times. John's obituary was beautifully written and I bet he was a lovely person.
No words can express the sadness and hurt when hearing the news of John's passing. Like his siblings, John was an outstanding friend and person. I first met John playing soccer with him at GBS. John was instantly admired and respected by all on the team. John was an outstanding talent, teammate, friend and leader, there was nothing but 100% in John's effort, support and dedication. Having known John and the Sullivan's it is no surprise that his students loved having him as a teacher, he touched so many lives, YOU NEVER FORGET A GOOD TEACHER. The entire Carr clan cherishes the Sullivan clan who have been such great friends for so many years growing up together in Glenview. We had so many epic times playing together on Park District Teams of every sport and then the post celebrations at the Glenview House, Granpa's, etc. as well as the annual golf outing at Anetsberger (or should I say water balloon fight). John will be missed dearly. We know how you feel because we all feel the same deep sense of sadness and loss of such a great person, friend, brother and teacher (He was always a teacher even as a team mate in School, I think that came from Mr. Sully ;) ). On the behalf of my entire family, All our love! Dave Carr
My heartfelt sympathies to you Suzanne and your family. I am so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful husband, father, and friend.
Sullivan Family, may you find peace in the love and memories of your dear husband and father. We were all fortunate to have known such a kind, generous, and personable man. You are his legacy and his greatest pride.
Please know, Suzanne, that John " Sully" your devoted spouse, your children, John, James and Clara, as well as all your family and loved-ones, are in my daily thoughts and prayers. May God's comforting arms embrace all of you in this time of immense loss and sorrow. May He provide strength to help all of you through this tough time.
Suzanne, I send my most sincere condolences. I will pray for comfort & strength for you and your family during this difficult time.
John showed his conviction to his community, faith and family. It is a life not only to be admired, but one to set an example for us all to aspire to. Altough he has passed, his memory will live on in all the children and people he touched during his life and his strong family. It's these memories that will hopefully comfort you all during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Sullivan family. May you feel the Lords peace and comfort during this difficult time.
I graduated from GBS in 2013, and Mr. Sullivan was one of my absolute favorite teachers. I was lucky enough to be placed in his class freshman year, and then senior year I decided not to take math so that I could take another one of his social studies classes (I reminded him often that I was hurting my college applications to be in his class!). He was funny, engaging, and made every student feel capable. HIs stories were incredible, and we shared so many laughs. We lost touch after high school, but I look back on memories in his classroom so fondly. I am devastated to hear about his passing and am sending all of my condolences to his family and loved ones. May his memory be a blessing. Thank you for everything, Mr. Sullivan.
We are so sorry for your loss. John was a fantastic volunteer and kind person that we always looked forward to seeing. We wish you healing in this difficult time.
Alan and I were deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was always smiling and had the most incredible thoughtfulness. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sullivan family.
There are so many times over the years I ran into you and John, with and without kids, hiking, hanging - the family who played together. There are no words Suzanne. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Hugs - Lee and John
Our sincerest condolences. We are sending love, support and warmth during this truly difficult time for you and your family. We are always here for any resources or support you find yourselves needing. We are only a call away. Sincerely & Respectfully, The National Alliance on Mental Illness of McHenry County (NAMI MCH)
It is truly a shock to learn of John's passing. Although it has been many years since I last saw John - as a parent during parent-teacher meetings at GBS for my sons Luke and Matt - John and I had shared great memories as students together at U of I (shared classes in undergrad Russian polysci/history and in grad school) and during a summer painting for a college painting company. The ripple effects of his goodness, sense of humor, and generosity of spirit are undiluted by the passage of time. John is a great example of the positive impact of one man on many lives. I am truly sorry for your loss.
My daughter, Kathryn, and I were the first identified multi-generation family that Mr. Sullivan taught. I had him for Crime & Deviance his first year of teaching. Kathryn had him for her freshman World History class. It was a proud distinction that Sully enjoyed as much as we did. Sully and Kathryn stayed in touch while she was in college, either directly or through other teachers in the department. He was always so encouraging and so proud of what she was doing and who she was becoming. I always had fond memories of my own class with Mr. Sullivan. I remember a teacher leaning against his desk, sometimes wearing a corduroy jacket with those professorial-looking elbow pads, captivating us students with his passion for teaching and learning. He gave every student a voice and he made every student feel valued. He taught us how to think critically, how to question wisely, how to learn passionately. In all his years of teaching (both in and out of the classroom), that never wavered.
I met him briefly but I could tell he was a special part of the FHPC family. I am so sorry for your loss, I hope that wonderful memories will bring you comfort and that you are surrounded by love during this heartbreaking time. Always remember that love never ends.
Mr. Sullivan was one of my favorite teachers I had the pleasure of having teach me in my time of Glenbrook South. His passion for history and learning helped ignite my own. Most of my best memories from my time at Glenbrook South were either in Mr. Sullivan’s classroom or interactions with him in the hallways. He was also a major support system for me when my father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, acting as a positive male role model I didn’t even know I so desperately needed. My memories with him are and will forever be cherished and treasured
His legacy and memories are a testament to how lucky we were to have home for a part of our lives. I am blessed that I have only very good memories. I am so grateful we got a little time during our May celebration.
So saddened to hear this news. My deepest condolences to entire family and all the friends of John, what a great man, from a great family.
Dear Suzanne, Little John, James and Clara, There are no sufficient words to convey the sorrow we share with you at this time of sorrow. John was such a loving, caring, compassionate man. Please know that you are loved by so many family members and friends. We are here for you. John was called home for some urgent need in Heaven. We sent you our deep condolences and love and will keep you all in our daily prayers in this time of sorrow. John Sullivan will be included in the Masses and Prayers of the St. Patrick Fathers of Chicago for one year at the request of the Caruso Family. We love you! Kevin, Tim & Gina, Colleen, Steven & Heather, Kristina & Jeremy
My thoughts and prayers to the Sullivan Family. John was a great teacher and colleague at GBS. It was a pleasure to have been able to work and know him. All my prayers to you all.
I'm sorry to hear about your and your family's loss, Suzanne. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Dear Suzanne, Little John, James and Clara, There are no sufficient words to convey the sorrow we share with you at this time of sorrow. John was such a loving, caring, compassionate man. Please know that you are loved by so many family members and friends. We are here for you. John was called home for some urgent need in Heaven. We sent you our deep condolences and love and will keep you all in our daily prayers in this time of sorrow. John Sullivan will be included in the Masses and Prayers of the St. Patrick Fathers of Chicago for one year at the request of the Caruso Family. We love you! Kevin, Tim & Gina, Colleen, Steven & Heather, Kristina & Jeremy
I’ll never forget my freshman year honors world history class taught by Mr. Sullivan! He had a great sense of humor and he would always find the funniest clever ways to tease me and other students. And on top of that he really sparked my love of history and social sciences through his class. He’ll be greatly missed.
I am crushed to see the passing of a wonderful person. We played some over 40 soccer together, he coached and refereed WAYSO soccer. He always said hello with a smile. He will be missed.
I was so saddened and shocked to hear the news of John’s passing. John was one of the first teachers/coaches I met at Glenbrook South. I am sure our good friend Dave Pasquini introduced us early in the school year… John also coached track with me for a few years and he was everything that you would want in a coach. I have heard the same from the classroom from his colleagues… My sincerest condolences to John’s family… He was a wonderful teacher, coach and role model for everyone at GBS. Sincerely, Kurt Hasenstein
I was so saddened and shocked to hear the news of John’s passing. John was one of the first teachers/coaches I met at Glenbrook South. I am sure our good friend Dave Pasquini introduced us early in the school year… John also coached track with me for a few years and he was everything that you would want in a coach. I have heard the same from the classroom from his colleagues… My sincerest condolences to John’s family… He was a wonderful teacher, coach and role model for everyone at GBS. Sincerely, Kurt Hasenstein
My heart aches for you all. Mr. Sullivan coached my soccer team with my dad one season and I remember having the best time with them as my coaches. Mr. Sullivan was an awesome coach, but importantly an amazing dad! I’m so sorry for your loss, Sullivan family.
A few years before John retired, I gave him a call inquiring about job openings at Glenbrook South High School. As a high school history teacher, John and I had that in common. I just remember being so appreciative that John took the time to take my phone call. We spoke for quite awhile and we ended up discussing our family roots. (John's father and my father were first cousins and ironically my father was named John and his twin brother was named George). I told John how much I enjoyed visiting with his parents and I also told him how much I enjoyed his father's stories about the history of our family. His dad told a story - always infused with humor and laughter - and I remember telling John that his dad would be a great asset in any history classroom because he would not only be entertaining but also highly informative. John laughingly agreed. After reading about John's life it is easy to see where he got his storytelling skills from and I know that made him a great teacher. Storytelling when done well - especially in a history class can engage even teenagers who are typically glued to their phones. I won't forget my phone conversation with John. I don't remember all the details but I do remember that it was enjoyable. He struck me as such a kind person. My only regret is that I did not get to know John better but as I said I knew his parents and they were class acts so all John's beautiful tributes are not surprising since he was raised by such kind and good parents. I would like John's wife Suzanne, his children, his siblings, his cousins and friends to know that you are all in my prayers. From what I have read, John led a deeply fulfilling life and leaves behind a wonderful legacy. May God grant you healing and peace during this difficult time.
We knew John only in college. He was always kind and fun loving, a great young man. So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you, friends and family.
Suzanne you have my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your in my prayers!
To the entire Sullivan Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. John was my cooperating teacher many years ago when I student taught at GBS and he was so wonderful and inspiring to watch interact with his students. He was such a natural in the classroom and such a wonderful colleague, I could not have had a better example of how wonderful the teaching profession can be. He subsequently came over with a big hug and to check in at every district meeting when I was later hired at GBN. He was a class act and my thoughts and prayers are with you today.