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IN MEMORIUM
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NWSA "IN MEMORIAM "

Capt. John W. Sullivan, USN RET
-- March 10, 1990 --
 

OBITUARY OF
CAPT JOHN WILLIAM SULLIVAN, USN (Ret.)
 

CAPT John W. Sullivan, USN (Ret.), died 10 March 1990 in the Virginia Beach General Hospital following his hospitalization for a stroke in late February. A memorial service was conducted in Baylake Methodist Church, Virginia Beach, VA, followed by interment in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Born on 1 December 1916 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was appointed to the U. S. Naval Academy from that state and graduated with USNA’s Class of 1940. His first duty assignment was to NEVADA, the only battleship able to get underway and head for sea following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. He then served in cruisers AUGUSTA and MONTPELIER throughout WWII. In July 1946 he entered the U. S. Naval Postgraduate School, than located on the grounds of USNA, Annapolis, MD, and, in June 1948, he was awarded a degree in aerological engineering. Various meteorological posts were followed by return to sea duty as Operations Officer in cruiser LOS ANGELES in 1953, followed by command of landing ship CASA GRANDE, destroyer PUTNAM, and destroyer SHASTA through 1961. His final duty was command of EPDOLant.

After retirement from active duty in 1964, he entered the academic field and eventually retired from Tidewater Community College as Director, Continuing Education. He was Past-Commodore of the Cavalier Yacht and Country Club; former Scoutmaster of Troop 369, BSA; and a member of the U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, the Retired Officers Association, and the Crossroads Lions Club.

In 1970 he received a Master of Science in Education degree from Darden College of Education, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, and later, a certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Education from the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Delight Anderson Sullivan of their home address: xxxxxxx; twin daughters, Jan H. Sullivan and Jill H. Sullivan, both of xxxxx; five sons: Walter F., USNA Class of 1970, xxxxxx; John M.; Mark D., USNA Class of 1971; Kerry G. and Craig W., all of xxxxx; a sister, Virginia S. Scott of xxxxx, and four grandchildren.

CA

[ NWSA Webmaster note:  See AEROGRAPH for addresses ]

From: Dick Terwilliger
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 9:40 PM
Subject: Obituary of John W. Sullivan (cont.)

       Attached as a dot doc item is the finalized obituary of John W. Sullivan.  Perhaps some member of NWSA will be able to provide information about the "various meteorological posts" that Sully had in the 1948-1953 period.  If somebody fills that 5-year gap I would like to know about it. ..............

Ciao, Dick Terwilliger

From: Dick Terwilliger
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 8:27 PM
Subject: Obit of John W. Sullivan

       In inquiring about the whereabouts of a USNPGS classmate, John W. Sullivan, Capt. USN (ret), I learned that he had died on 10 March 1990.  Subsequently, I was able to obtain a copy of his obituary from a point of contact in the US Naval Academy Alumni Association.

       John and I were classmates in the two-year aerological engineering class at the USNPGS - then on the grounds of the USNA, Annapolis, MD - from July 1946 until June 1948, when our paths diverged.

       Aerological/meteorological personnel who served with him in the 1948-1953 period prior to his return to sea duty may never have learned about his post-aerological service or that he had died years ago.

       Are you interested in obtaining a copy of his obituary for posting on the NWSA website and/or re-printing in the Aerograph.  If so, just let me know at your convenience.

             Dick Terwilliger
             NWSA Life Member No. 121


NWSA Webmaster Note:  We have requested a copy of the obituary and will post it here on receipt.