It is with great sadness that we inform you that Brian Sullivan passed away October 8, 2026 at the age of 70 after facing cancer head on with remarkable strength and fortitude.
Brian was born and raised on the South side of Chicago attending Chicago area grade schools and Fenger high school. He treasured the lasting friendships he formed during his school years and remained connected to many of those friends throughout his life.
Brian was an early riser and enjoyed watching sunrises believing each sunrise brought new opportunities. He paved his own path after circumstances early in life taught him to be a fighter, leader, and protector.
Brian excelled in anything he put his mind to. He enjoyed the discipline and confidence he gained from powerlifting having won two World Championship Powerlifting medals for Team USA. He was a boxer in the Golden Gloves and he played rugby in Chicago for the Southside Irish until a serious injury forced him to quit and learn to golf, a much less contact sport. Brian loved to read. His Kindle was in his hand every free moment he had. The rare occasions he wasn’t reading, he liked to watch old Western movies. John Wayne was his idol. Brian considered his Harley Davidson motorcycles his horses. He belonged to the Joliet H.O.G. chapter for many years. Eventually he traded his motorcycle for a family-friendly boat, choosing to spend more time enjoying the water with his loved ones.
Having the gift of Blarney Brian excelled in his career in the Power Transmission Industry for nearly 50 years. He was great at math and had a photographic memory for names and phone numbers. He believed in loyalty, honesty, commitment, and punctuality. To him a hand shake was as good as a contract. Starting out In Accounting, he quickly advanced to Inside Sales, Outside Sales, and lastly Management before retiring at the age of 67. He was quick to win over new customers establishing many million-dollar accounts and won Salesman of the Year multiple years awarding his family trips to Disney World.
Brian is survived by his wife, Sharon of 38 years, his daughter Danielle (Mandy), his son Patrick, step-son Jason (Francesca), grandson Dominick, sisters Dawn (Dan), Colleen (Cory), brothers James (Rachel) and Sean, brother-in-law Brian (Lynn) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by daughter Megan, and sisters Tina and Kelly. He took pride in the accomplishments of his siblings and children, finding great joy in their successes and happiness. Sunday was always family day, no excuses.
Brian was a believer in the Christian faith. He was brought up in the Catholic church. He wanted his children to know Jesus and understand the importance of having faith in their lives. He joined Grace United Methodist Church in Joliet, IL where his family encountered life changing opportunities driven by Pastor Barbara Donica. He enjoyed chaperoning the annual Appalachian Service Project trips. Once he moved to Florida he was again blessed to find a community church, Chapel by the Sea, where he continued to grow in his faith. There he continued supporting Outreach programs such as Peace Café, Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP), and Hope Villages of America – The Haven, a domestic violence shelter.
In the words of Frank Sinatra, Brian traveled many highways, he faced it all and stood tall, he did it the only way he knew how – his way!
Memorial services will be held at Chapel by the Sea, Clearwater Beach, FL Sat, Nov 14 at 2:00 pm and at Grace United Methodist Church, Joliet, IL Sat, Nov 7 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations are welcome in Brian’s memory to Hope Villages of America – The Haven, Chapel by the Sea, Appalachia Service Project, or Grace United Methodist Church.


