Msgr. John B. Sullivan

The Reverend Monsignor John B. Sullivan returned home to our Heavenly Father on May 18, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born on January 10, 1935, in Washington Heights, Manhattan, NY, and graduated from Regis High School, Manhattan, NY, in 1953. He was ordained in St. Patrick’s Cathedral on May 27, 1961, after studying for the priesthood at Cathedral College, Manhattan, NY, and St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie, Yonkers, NY. He celebrated his first Mass in St. Elizabeth’s Church, Washington Heights, Manhattan, NY, where he was born and raised. In 2010, he retired to the Saint John Vianney Clergy Residence in Riverdale, Bronx, NY. Prior to his retirement, Father John was Administrator at St. Columba’s, Manhattan, NY (2008-2010). He also faithfully served as Administrator at St. Joseph’s, Manhattan, NY (2007-2008); Pastor at St. Mary’s, Bronx, NY (1987-2007); Pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes, Manhattan, NY (1981-1987); Administrator at Ascension, Manhattan, NY (1977-1981); Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist, Beacon, NY (1970-1977); Parochial Vicar at Visitation, Bronx, NY (1961-1970). He was predeceased by his devoted parents, Cornelius Sullivan (Kinard, Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland) and Helena L. Sullivan (Cloonee, Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland); his sister, Helene Sullivan Griffin; his brothers-in-law John Griffin, Gordon Elliott, John McCabe, Michael Connor, and his nephew, Brendan Norman Sullivan Knapp. He is survived by his loving sisters, Cornelia Elliott, Maureen McCabe, Lois Connor, and Regina (Michael) Knapp. In addition to being an integral part of countless family gatherings, to which he always announced his arrival with a booming “Hello Hello”, one of his greatest joys was being Uncle John. He is also survived by his nieces, Loretta (Basem) Pharaon, Helaine (Brian) Williams, Christine (John) Calvert and his nephews, Edward (Laura) Elliott, Sean (Stacee) Connor, Martin (Kelly) Elliott, Brian (Joanna) Elliott, Terence (Ericka) Connor, Kieran Connor, Timothy (Heather) Connor, John B. McCabe, Kevin (Michelle) Knapp, and Liam (Mya) Knapp. He also held deep affection for his 21 great-nieces and great-nephews, Patrick, Fiona and Deirdre Elliott; Christopher Elliott; Caitlin, Riley, Mallory and Tatum Connor; Quinn and Amelia Connor; Finnegan and Sullivan Connor; Sophia Pharaon; Alanna Williams; Caroline, Matthew and Emilie Calvert; Kate and Max Elliott; Chloe and Sean Knapp. Whether he was Father John, a fellow priest, son, brother, or uncle, he valued the relationship the title granted him with all his heart and was adored by all who called him theirs.

Wake and funeral Mass to be held at the John Cardinal O’Connor Chapel, Riverdale, Bronx, NY.
Funeral arrangements are with Williams Funeral Home, Bronx, NY.