Francis Joseph Sullivan, 90, passed away at his home in Peachtree City, Ga. on January 31, 2015.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Irene (Reenie); sons Dan (Joanna), Tim (Debbie), Ken (Elaine), and Frank (Megan); 9 grandchildren Jenna, Jacob, Brad, Greg (Brandy), Kathryn, Peter, Mathew (Eun Kyung), Luke, and Reid; sister Shirley Finnigan; nieces Leslie Pownall and Cindy Klewicki; as well as Barry, Dean, Alan, and Vicki Kolts.
Fran was born in Manchester, N.H. on September 4, 1924, to Francis Sullivan, Sr. and Florence Cook. He grew up in Manchester and graduated from Central High School in 1941 at the age of 16.
Fran enlisted in the United States Navy on January 6, 1943. He served honorably in the second World War, leaving Manchester, N.H. on January 8, 1943, as a member of “Manchester’s Own” flight squadron. During his training, he studies at Williams College, Austin Peay and the University of Georgia. At the age of 19, Fran was awarded his Naval “wings of gold” and a commission on June 23, 1944 in Pensacola as a Naval Aviator. He was one of forty-two flyers, out of a class of four hundred to receive his wings. He served as a fighter pilot, instrument flight instructor and test pilot until the end of the war in 1945. His experience as a fighter pilot was in the Pacific theater flying the F4F Wildcat and the F4U-4 Corsair.
In 1947, he met his wife Reenie; they married in 1948. They moved to Syracuse, N.Y. where he owned his own electrical supply manufacturers’ representative organization (wire and cable) for 46 years. They raised their four boys in Syracuse, N.Y. He also lived in East Amherst, N.Y. for 16 years and in 1994, he and Reenie moved to Peachtree City, Ga. to be near family.
Fran loved his work and being active and engaged in his community. He enjoyed golf, skiing, tennis, and playing bridge. He was a member of Drumlins Country Club, Lockort Country Club, and the Syra-Canadian Fish and Game Club. After retiring from the electrical business, Fran worked part-time for 14 years at the Planterra Golf Club and was a member of Cannongate Golf Club. His life revolved around his family and a large network of friends throughout the United States and Sweden. Throughout the years, he remained a loyal Syracuse Orangemen sports fan. Fran never met a stranger, always reaching out to anyone with an open hand and heart, evidenced by his large and varied mix of friends, many of whom he has known and kept for over 60 years. We all will miss his love, support, guidance, wit, humor, stories, and advice. Our loss is surely heavenís gain. Rest in peace.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Peachtree City, with reception following. Minister Miriam Beecher will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, www.coslutheran.org .
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City -www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
