Martin J. Sullivan

Martin ‘Marty’ James Sullivan passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023, after a series of strokes. 

Marty was born February 8, 1947, in Dearborn, MI to loving parents, Helen and William Sullivan. As an only child, Marty was showered with love and firm guidance as well as technical education from his Michigan Bell tech father.  By age twelve, he was scratch building radios, stereo amps, speakers and antennas taller than his parent’s home.  Being in Dearborn, Marty also developed a keen preference for Fords and mastery over most skills related to working on them.  He actually applied a decent paint job to the family Ford using a spray gun, powered by his mom’s vacuum cleaner.  He also was an active member of Cherry Hill United Presbyterian Church where he attended Sunday School, Youth Groups and participated in both Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts.

Marty graduated from Dearborn High in 1965 and pursued his technical interests at Ferris State, graduating with honors in electronics.  He then followed in his father’s footsteps going to work for Michigan Bell in Detroit, before relocating to Saginaw when Bell evolved into AT and T.  He professionally, was well respected for his problem-solving abilities, strong work ethic and willingness to help coworkers. He especially enjoyed throwing parties at his home for his coworkers that often lasted into the night.

In his spare time, Marty relished resurrecting cars written off as ‘totaled’ into like new condition and helping others with their projects.  He enjoyed visiting his parents in their retirement homes in Hillman, MI and Florida. He also remained lifelong friends with boyhood pals Dave Rockwell and Charlie Myers, seldom missing any significant occasions or opportunity to do things with them.

Marty was a solid, kind man of faith who loved his country and friends. His steady, calm and friendly nature will be greatly missed by those who knew him. In his later years, he was blessed to have neighbors, Bev Lumsden and Tom Kochendorfer, who openly gave of their lives so Marty could continue to live at home and have a good quality of life.

He is survived by his Aunt Shirley (Sullivan) Wellington and cousins Ruth, Joy, Mark and their families.  He was preceded in death by his parents, aunt, uncles and several cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on April 25, 2023, at Hillman Rust Cemetery in Hillman, MI. He will be buried near his parents as per his wishes. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bannan Funeral Home, Hillman, Michigan.