John Michael Sullivan

John Michael “Mike” Sullivan, 76, husband of Diane Frances Sullivan of Fairview, TX, passed away February 10, 2016.

“He missed the team by a fingernail.” That’s how Mike’s beloved late Uncle Warren summed up Mike’s experience at the USA Swimming Olympic Trials in 1956. Mike never talked about it, nor did he speak of his many other accomplishments. His humility defined him as a man, as did his 63-year love affair with his high school sweetheart and wife, Diane. They raised three children and over the years made homes for them in Michigan, Illinois, and Texas as Mike built his career in the publishing industry. Mike’s kids were each a constant source of pride for him. He made friends easily and enjoyed them all, but Mike especially treasured his many lifelong friendships firmly rooted in his youth in Detroit. He was the second of seven siblings and is preceded in death by his father, Paul Gilmary, mother, Virginia Bernadette, and older brother, Paul Kelly. Mike’s favorite place in the world is a cabin his father and uncle bought for the family on a little lake called Tecon located deep in the woods of northern Michigan.

Mike is survived by his wife Diane Frances of Fairview, TX; his son John Michael Jr. and his wife Melinda of Coppell, TX; daughter Erin Frances of McKinney, TX; and son Patrick Casey and his wife Dinah of Ft. Worth, TX; and his seven grandchildren. He is also survived by five siblings, including sisters Mary Virginia, Patricia Ann, and brothers Timothy George, Terrance Clifford, and Lawrence Henry, and 19 nieces and nephews and 29 grand nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, February 27 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel at 411 Paula Road, McKinney, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Samaritan Inn at 1710 North McDonald Street, McKinney, TX 75071.