Paul Francis Sullivan

April 30, 1919 - June 3, 2015

Paul, a longtime resident of Rancho Cordova, recently living in Lafayette, California, died after a brief illness. A native of San Francisco, Paul was the seventh son of nine children born to Mary and Patrick Sullivan of County Cork, Ireland. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Therese and siblings John, Tim, Jim, Danny, Herb, Jerry, Muriel and Ray. His is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Paul’s accounts of growing up in San Francisco were a walk back in time to dairy farms in Noe Valley, hillside gravel pits serving as driving ranges, tackle football in the street and baseball games at Fairmont School. He was strong and quiet and well respected in the neighborhood. He enlisted in WWII in the Air Force and retired after 25 years as a Technical Sergeant Squadron Instructor, serving in Germany and Greenland, training young airmen and receiving many medals. He fell in love with his wife Therese in Germany and they were married in 1956. They returned to the States, driving across the country in his red Nova, ultimately settling in Rancho Cordova in 1967 where they lived with their cherished dog Wooster. They were the perfect compliment to each other until her death in 1996. Paul continued to be exceptionally fit, employing his military exercise regimen and riding his bicycle along the Sacramento river up to 40 miles a day until he was 90. He always had an exercise or dietary tip for anyone complaining of an ailment.

Paul was a quiet, gentle, humble treasure. He had a special rapport with animals, loved music and enjoyed playing the harmonica and organ, had a dry sense of humor punctuated by the twinkle in his bright blue eyes, and those who took the time to really know him were rewarded with his unwavering friendship.

His family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to his caregivers at the Lafayette Care Home and Hospice of the East Bay. Friends and family are invited to a Funeral Mass on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 307 Montrose Drive, Folsom, CA at 1:00 p.m. with internment to follow at Lakeside Memorial Lawn.