Paul J. Sullivan MD

Dr. Paul J. Sullivan always answered “nearly perfect” when asked how he was. He is now PERFECT, having gone to the Lord on October 27, 2016. His family was by his side singing his favorite hymns. Paul was born on August 14, 1932 to Edward and Flora (Grattan) Sullivan. He was raised in Detroit with his brothers Patrick (Mary), Tom (Dorothy), John L., and sisters Joan (Frances) Bosler and Faith (Jack) Corey. He started singing in the choir at Gesu elementary and continued through his years at the University of Detroit. Practicing medicine was his calling and he graduated from University of Michigan in 1960.That same year he married Dorothy Balog. Her brother Steve(Florence) and Bill (Eileen) and sister Barbara (Rio) Della Mora, also became his family. All together he is Uncle Paul to over 200 nieces, nephews and their spouses, and their children and………………. A dedicated pediatrician at Northwest Pediatrics for 35 years, it was not at all uncommon for him to have former patients bring their own children to see him. Many times we would hear “Hi Doc” shouted out as we are out and about the city, even though he preferred Mr. Sullivan in keeping with his humble nature. Grand daughter Sydney once asked ‘Grandpa do you know everyone?”. Primarily he worked at Mt. Carmel and Providence where he was Chief of Staff. All of his children were in attendance to see him receive an award for 25 years of dedicated service at Providence Hospital, much to his surprise and joy. Because of his love of medicine he chose to leave his body to Wayne State Medical School, where he will continue to help future physicians. It was his family though, to whom he dedicated most of his time. Paul and Dorothy had nine children; Margaret (Scott) Malaney, John, Jim( Ann), Bill (Krista), Barbara (Kurt) Dunn, Laura, Ed (Lisa), Emily ( Larry)Wine and Martha (Will) Myrick. He was always home for dinner, and never accepted phone calls during that hour. Saturdays might include “rounds” and breakfast at the hospital cafeteria. The girls knew that when the doorbell rang on their birthday it was flowers from him, without fail. He drove us around in a green, eleven passenger van with canoes on top to the Upper Peninsula and Kentucky. And every fall would include a camping trip to Ludington State Park. We also fit in the Detroit Riverfront Fireworks, Thanksgiving Day Parades, church festivals, family visits, Niagara Falls … that van saw a lot of miles! In 1973, Paul and Dorothy bought the cottage on Strawberry Lake. This continues to be the family magnet. It was not uncommon to have a family reunion include more than 100 relatives. Images of Paul playing the guitar around the fire pit, playing horseshoes, baseball, sailing a catamaran, and driving the “floatboat” will remain with us forever. It was a great place for nine children to grow and they continue to gather there with the grandkids; Bridget, Andrew, Maggie, Aran,Liam, Charlie, Eddie, Maya, Ella, Andrew, Emma, Rachel, William, Paige and Sydney. Many have said it their favorite place on earth. Golf, bridge,Tiger baseball, crossword puzzles, and always “fixing” something kept him active. He loved his friends very much and often spoke fondly of them. Service was a major priority and he sang in the church choir, worked at St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen every Tuesday for 15 years. Just two weeks ago, he cut enough onions for 3,000 egg rolls for a Christ the King fundraiser. This will not surprise anyone who knew him. Because of his life of service the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either: St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen Attn: Chris 16800 Trinity PO Box 8012 Detroit, MI 48208 or Christ the King School 16800 Trinity Detroit, MI 48219 Visitation will be held Friday Nov. 4 from 1-8pm at Wm Sullivan Funeral Home, 705 E. Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067 Memorial Mass, Saturday Nov. 5 at 11:00 am with family accepting condolences starting at 10 am at Christ the King Catholic Church. 20800 Grand River Ave. Detroit, MI 48219 The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers and support that have been extended during this very difficult time. Bless you all.

Paul J. Sullivan MD

August 14, 1932 - October 27, 2016