Robert A. Sullivan

Robert A. Sullivan, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away on April 18, 2024. He was born on September 22, 1935, in Queens, New York, to his parents John Alton Sullivan and Lucille Myrtle (Beckum) Sullivan. 

 Robert joined the U.S. Navy after graduating high school. He served 21 years as a Journalist Chief Petty Officer (JOC), including tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. He met his wife Dorothy when they were both stationed at the Pentagon. His last assignment before retiring from the military was teaching journalism at Ft. Harrison, where the family settled in Indianapolis.

He began his second career in Public Relations for the Indiana State Medical Association. where he worked with distinction for another 20 years. He also earned an Associate’s Degree.

Robert played many sports, including baseball, bowling, and most especially, golf. He coached his son Michael’s Little League Baseball team, one year winning the championship while he emphasized that good sportsmanship was just as important as skill and athleticism. He also mentored his son Robert’s interest in writing. 

He avidly followed professional sports. He was a lifelong Red Sox fan. Shortly after the Colts moved to Indianapolis, Robert held a pair of season tickets. He rotated the second seat between his two sons, a fun family tradition that continued for 25 years. 

 Robert and Dorothy retired in 1994 and spent the years after “snowbirding” between Sun City, AZ, (on property that overlooks a golf course) and Indianapolis. They traveled the country and the world.

Robert remained active until last fall when ongoing health issues brought him back to Indianapolis to be near his family.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Dorothy A. Sullivan; his two sons Robert J. (Linda) and Michael A. (Hariette) Sullivan; his grandchildren Hannah, Amanda, Cynthia, and Steven Sullivan; and his brother, Edwin Sullivan. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucille; brothers John, William, and Jim; and sisters Gail and Dolores.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 12 PM-12:30 PM, with a memorial service beginning at 12:30 PM at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46229. Robert will be laid to rest in Washington Park East Cemetery.