History & Staff

The Sullivan Family

John E. Sullivan CFSP Co-Owner, Funeral Director

John Sullivan is a third-generation licensed funeral director. He is a graduate of University of Detroit Jesuit High School and the University of Notre Dame. In 1966, John completed the Mortuary Science course at Wayne State University. Shortly thereafter, he resigned from the Michigan National Guard and enlisted in the US Army. After intense training and completing Officer Candidacy School, John was sent to Munich, Germany as a tank platoon commander. He left the Army in 1969 and then began working full-time at the funeral home.

John is a longtime member of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica and a Lifetime Trustee of the South Oakland Boys and Girls Club. He is also a long serving member of the Rotary Club of Royal Oak as well as the South Oakland YMCA Board of Directors. John is also an avid boater who once sailed his 33-foot boat from Spain across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean.

John is married to his wife Judy and has two sons, James and Eric, both of whom are US Air Force Veterans. He is proud to be a member of Royal Oak’s oldest family business.

Raymond C. Lope Co-Owner, Funeral Director

Ray has been a respected funeral director since 1973 and is a co-owner at his firm. With over five decades in the profession, Ray is also a longstanding member of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, where he served as District #6 President and was the Past Chairman of the Ethics and Grievances Committee.

Ray’s deep commitment to his community is evident through a lifetime of involvement. He has been a dedicated youth soccer coach for the Catholic Youth Organization and has earned numerous honors, including the Chamber's "Man of the Year" award in 1987 and St. Joseph Healthcare’s Medallion Award in 1999. In 2024, Ray was honored as “Knight of the Month” by St. Lawrence Knights of Columbus Council #2958, and he became the first recipient of Utica Community Schools' prestigious “Legacy of Excellence” award.

As a founding member of the "Desert Golf Classic" (established in 1982), Ray has supported various charitable initiatives. His commitment to local healthcare is furthered through his roles on the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph Healthcare and Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals, where he chairs the Planning and Mission Effectiveness Committee and is involved with the Ambassadors and Century Club.

Ray’s dedication to education includes his founding role and leadership positions within the Utica Community Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence, where he has served as past president, chairperson of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Century Club member. Additionally, Ray helped establish the Gerald C. Friend Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund, serving as past president and treasurer.

Ray is an active member and advocate within the Macomb/Oakland Guardianship Association, as well as a past president and awardee of the Paul Harris Fellow through the Utica/Shelby Rotary Club. His passion for the arts and community is further reflected in his membership with the Pewabic Society for the Arts, Metro Hosta Society, and Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

Ray Lope exemplifies leadership, service, and dedication, impacting countless lives through his work, volunteerism, and advocacy in his community.

Michael J. Lope CCO Co-Owner, Funeral Director

Michael J. Lope is a licensed funeral director and co-owner of the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home. After attending high school in the Detroit area, he then earned a business degree at Michigan State University. A move to New York City led to a successful sales position dealing with top level law firms and their attorneys. After just three years working with Document Technologies, Inc. Mike attended American Academy McAllister Institute for mortuary school in New York City.

Mike was licensed in 2006 and began working with his family at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home. He currently works at both family funeral homes in Utica and Royal Oak. In addition, Michael is a member of MFDA and NFDA. He is also involved in the community and served on the boards of MFDA District 6, the Metro Detroit Youth Clubs the Gerald C. Friend Memorial Scholarship, and the Downtown Development Authority in Utica.

In his time off Michael enjoys golfing, skiing, hiking and camping. He is a parishioner at Holy Name Catholic Church with his wife Christine and his two children Andrew and Ashlyn. He and his family are committed to maintaining a family owned and operated funeral home that is a progressive and innovative leader in burial and cremation services.

James S. Sullivan Funeral Director

William J. Sullivan Co-Owner, Funeral Director

In Loving Memory of
November 1, 1940 - April 4, 2023


A Royal Oaks Resident born in 1940. Graduate of Shrine High School, University of Notre Dame, and Wayne State University Mortuary Science Program. Peace Corps volunteer in Colombia, S.A. Married to the late Cathy Sullivan for 49 years, with whom he had two sons (Brian and Tim), and five grandchildren.

Past president of the Royal Oak Rotary Club, and member of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, Royal Oak Historical Society, and National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica.

Mr. Sullivan entered this line of work to be a part of our four-generation family-owned business.

Richard P. McLaughlin CFSP Director of Advanced Planning, Funeral Director

In Loving Memory of
August 3, 1923 - September 16, 2025

Sherry A. Marshall CFSP Funeral Director

Sherry was born in Detroit and raised in Riverview. Graduated from WSU Department of Mortuary Science and became a Licensed Funeral Director in 1984. Member of NFDA, MFDA, past President of MFDA District 6 and American Academy of Certified Funeral Service Practitioners since 2001. She is the Past President of the Warren Morning Kiwanis Club and received the George F. Hixson Fellowship Award. Past member of Royal Oak Kiwanis Club and current member of South Oakland Kiwanis. Sherry met her husband, Barry through Kiwanis and they married in 2001. They enjoyed traveling, especially several visits to Alaska, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks, and for many years had annual trips to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to canoe and kayak. She is a Notary Public.

Richard S. Bollini CFSP Operations Manager, Funeral Director

Richard was born in Detroit and raised in Warren, Michigan. He graduated from Warren Mott HS before attending Wayne State University, where he received his degree in Mortuary Science. He married his wife, Lisa A. Bollini in 1992. Together they have a wonderful son, Marco R. Bollini.

Resident of Sterling Heights, Michigan since 1993. Member of St. Peter Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Usher Club, San Marino Social Club, MFDA, NFDA, Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and Notary for State of Michigan

Dustin N. Hughes Funeral Director

Dustin graduated from Notre Dame Preparatory in 2001 and went on to attend Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. In 2006, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science Pre-Law, with minors in Public Relations and English. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dustin moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he pursued a career shift by enrolling at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois. He graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science in 2007. Following graduation, Dustin explored various professional endeavors, further building his diverse skill set. In 2009, he entered the funeral service field, joining the Sullivan family later that same year and has become a valued and compassionate member of the team. Outside of his professional life, Dustin finds peace and fulfillment in spending time outdoors, whether it be biking, snowboarding, or just walking his dogs, he has a true appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Jack H. Clock CCO Funeral Director

Jack is a fifth generation funeral director who grew up in Whitehall, MI. Jack has a B.S. in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University and a B.S. in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine from Central Michigan University. Jack has been with the company since 2016. In addition to his funeral director’s license, Jack also holds a crematory operator’s certification and has extensive knowledge of the cremation process. In 2018, Jack was one of just 50 funeral directors in the nation selected to participate in the National Funeral Director’s Association’s “Meet the Mentor” program. In his free time, Jack loves fishing, watching Detroit sports, and spending time with his wife, three children, and his retriever.

Allison E. Voorhess CFSP CMFP MBIE Funeral Director

Allison is a second-generation funeral director, following in the footsteps of her late uncle, John Voorhess. She earned her bachelor’s degree in economics and management from Albion College before continuing her education at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Illinois. Upon graduation, she was honored with the Albert E. Worsham Memorial Award for achieving the highest academic distinction and now serves on the Worsham College Advisory Board. Allison is an active member of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association and a past District 6 President. She also volunteers as a board member with Six Feet Over, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and loss support. Above all, Allison is committed to serving families with compassion, respect, and thoughtful attention to detail.

Breanna N. Boone Funeral Director

Breanna is a dedicated funeral director at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, where she has served families with compassion and expertise since October 2021. Starting as a funeral assistant while completing her studies at Wayne State University, she quickly demonstrated her commitment and skill. A graduate of L'Anse Creuse High School, Breanna earned her bachelor's degree in mortuary science from Wayne State University, driven by a deep passion for her field. Outside of work, Breanna enjoys quality time with her family, friends, and her beloved cat.

Cassandra M. Bazinski Funeral Director

Patty M. Bucchare Support Staff, Funeral Director

Michelle E. O'Hara Director of Advanced Planning

Over the past 6 years, Michelle has been guiding families through the pre planning process. Whether it be burial or cremation, she assists with creating a plan that best fits each individual family. Michelle graduated from Rochester University in 2012. She is an active member of St. Augustine in Richmond, where she resides with her husband Jon, sons Henry and Teddy and their labradoodle Sydney.

Lora Braun Support Staff

Vanessa Baker Support Staff

Joe Slawek Funeral Assistant

Leo Niedzwiecki Funeral Assistant

Marcie Niedzwiecki Funeral Assistant

Hope Wilson Funeral Assistant

Karen Schollenberger Support Staff

Paul Meschini Funeral Assistant

Alicia Miller Funeral Assistant

Carl Territo Funeral Assistant

Kyle McGowan Funeral Assistant

Pastor Paul Madonna Funeral Assistant

Isabelle Wild Funeral Assistant

Denise Reedy Funeral Assistant

Jim Callendar Funeral Assistant

Alexandra McCabe Funeral Assistant

Shelli Adams Support Staff

Tonya Ratliff Grief Counselor

Tonya Ratliff is the Owner and Director of Counseling Services for
Trinity Family Counseling Center. Tonya understands and is deeply
committed to assisting individuals and families through the
anguishing experience of loss. The journey toward healing and redefining
one’s self in response to loss takes courage, patience, and
endurance. Tonya is honored and humbled to assist others with
these overwhelming challenges.
In addition to her individual, couple, and family clients, Tonya is also
the lead facilitator of the Walk With Me® Grief Support Group, an
aftercare program sponsored by Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home
in Utica, MI.

Shelley Kruszewski Grief Counselor

Shelley Kruszewski is a licensed counselor at Trinity Family
Counseling Center. Shelley understands it takes courage to do grief
work and learn how to adapt our lives around the loss that we have
experienced. There is hope when we share in the journey and gather
the strength and support of others. The guidance and support of a
caring grief counselor can be invaluable as you navigate your way
through the storm. Remember that where there is grief, there is also
great love.
In addition to her individual, couple and family clients at Trinity,
Shelley has experience providing grief support to individuals and
groups. She is honored to join the Sullivan family in Royal Oak
offering the Walk With Me Grief Support Group, an aftercare
program sponsored by Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors.
At one time or another in our lifetime, we come to know grief. Those who experience grief are suffering
through the devastating loss of someone they love through no fault of their own. Grief is as unique as each
individual and everyone will experience the journey differently. Our group is designed to provide the
attendee with an overview of the entire grief journey.
Shelley’s approach to the group is one fueled by unconditional compassion, as she assists those in
attendance in coping with the anguishing adjustment to a “…life that has changed without my
permission...”