Robert Sullivan

Robert (Bob) G. Sullivan, (Sully), 87 of Decatur Illinois passed away on Friday, June 2, 2017.Bob was born on June 1, 1930 in Decatur to Donald L Sullivan and Mary Helen Sullivan (Everly). He graduated from Stephen Decatur High School. Bob served in the US Marine Corps from 1949 to 1950 and then again in 1951 when he was discharged as a veteran of the Korean War. On August 19, 1951 he married Loretta B. Roberts who he had met while both were working at the Pom Pom Cafe. In 1955 he became a member of the Decatur Fire Department, where he proudly served until his retirement in 1985. He was involved with many of the activities of the department, including Toys for Tots and the Muscular Dystrophy. Bob proudly served as President of the Decatur Fire Fighters Local 505 Union for several years. He also served on the Decatur Trades and Labor Executive board. He also was a talented carpenter and enjoyed playing golf. He enjoyed meeting people – and never met a stranger he didn’t like.After retirement he worked for the Macon County Department of Planning and Zoning and became heavily involved in the Illinois Association of Retired Fire Fighters (IARF). “Sully” led the IARF as President for many years and worked hand in hand with the AFFI on retiree issues. His and many others hard work was instrumental in passing legislation to help protect the retirements of current and future retiree’s across the State of Illinois and provide for the spouses of all Fire Fighters in case of death. Last year Bob was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Retired Fire Fighters at the Associated Fire Fighters International convention.Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother, (Bill Sullivan), and sister, (Marilyn Jones).He is survived by his wife, Loretta and daughter, Connie of Decatur, son, Kevin and his wife (Tina) of Monument, Colorado, daughter Debbie Wright and her husband (Brian), of Decatur. He has two granddaughters (Erin Sullivan of Washington DC, and Hanna Wright of La Crosse WI) of which he saw graduate from college and was very proud of.The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Bilyeu and his staff for taking care of Bob over the last few years, as well as St. Mary’s Hospital. Your time and care are appreciated!Visitation for Robert will be on Friday, June 9th from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 10th at 11:00am at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers… memorials may be given to the Illinois Association of Retired Fire Fighters or First United Methodist Church of Decatur, Ill. "
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