Obituary of Thomas J. Sullivan

Elmira: Age 87, passed away Monday, July 29, 2013. Tom was born May 22, 1926, in Elmira, son of Nora (O'Neill) and William E. Sullivan. He is predeceased by his infant son Joseph, son John, son-in-law Peter Buckley, siblings and their spouses, John and Josephine, William, Kathleen and Paul Dunn, James and Jean, Robert, Mary Lou, Margaret Steed, in-laws, Mary Sullivan, Thomas Whitaker, and John Marinan. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Marinan Sullivan; children, with their families, daughter-in-law Susan, with children, Sandi (William), Meghan and Joseph (Tania); Daniel (Bobbie) and daughter MacKenzie; Kathleen Buckley with children, Peter (Erin) and their children, Jack, Molly, Finn and Nora; Elizabeth, Patrick and Kathleen; Thomas (MaryAnn) with their daughters, Katie and Courtney; siblings, Ann Starr, Gerry Sullivan, Joan Whitaker; sisters-in-law, Dale Sullivan Beymer, Edna Sullivan, and Lynn Marinan; brother-in-law Francis Steed; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was a US Navy veteran, serving during WW II. He was a 1944 graduate of Elmira Free Academy, a 1950 graduate of Niagara University, and a 1953 graduate of Albany Law School. Tom practiced law with the law firm of Personius, Cramer, Mustico, and Sullivan and was an Administrative Law Judge for the NYS Compensation Board. He was an attorney for numerous towns including Erin, Van Etten, Chemung, and Catlin. During his career Tom was active in the Democratic Party serving as Corporation Counsel for the City of Elmira and as a Deputy Chemung County Attorney. Tom was a life time member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Msgr. John J. Lee Division, Knights of Columbus, Elks Local #62, and a long time communicant of Christ the Redeemer Parish. Tom's love of his wife and family provided him great pride and joy throughout his life. "Pa" was much loved by his grandchildren and was supportive and active in their daily lives. Tom's family extends their appreciation to his caregivers, Roxanne Johnson, Jessica Kohout, Molly Lee, and Porky Tarby, for their continued support and care. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Thursday, August 1, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, August 2, 2013 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Tom with a donation to West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department, 1299 W. Water Street, Elmira NY 14905. Officers and members of the A.O.H. will meet at McInerny Funeral Home on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. to conduct a service for our brother, Tom. Signed, Danny O'Herron, President Officers and members of the Knights of Columbus will meet at McInerny funeral Home on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. to conduct a service for Tom. Signed, Jack Elston, Grand Knight