Olson Burke-Sullivan Funeral And Cremation Center

Obituary Detail

February 18, 1975 February 06, 2022
February 18, 1975 -- February 06, 2022

Sean Patrick Sullivan, Age:46

Sean Patrick Sullivan, 46, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Lovingly referred to as ‘SP,’ Sean fought a life-long battle against Cystic Fibrosis with a fierce determination and a calm strength, finally succumbing to the disease due to Covid-related complications. Sean was the oldest of 6 siblings, and from a young age, he unknowingly set out on a path that eventually saw him obliterate the expectations of his doctors and specialists, as well as modern medicine, in regards to his diagnosis. He defied the odds every chance he got, playing sports throughout his childhood and well into high school. He immersed himself in the culture of the city he loved and the city that loved him back. SP was an avid Chicago sports and music fan, becoming a regular fixture at Comiskey Park and the United Center, as well as the Aragon Ballroom and the Vic Theater. He loved Wilco, Pearl Jam, U2, the White Sox and Blackhawks in equal measure, and never missed a chance to see a show, hit a festival, or grab tickets to a game.

 

A defining moment in Sean’s life happened at the age of 39, when he was blessed with a new pair of lungs that he received through a transplant at Loyola Medical Center. This selfless gift from a loving donor changed the course of Sean’s life when he needed it most. Finally able to breathe easy for the first time in decades, Sean approached each new day with a renewed vigor and charisma that inspired every person who met him. He took on the responsibility of being a donor recipient with a serious sense of duty and purpose. He became a dedicated advocate for the Donate Life movement. He spoke with other Cystic Fibrosis survivors, as well as parents of younger children afflicted with the disease, about the importance of facing the obstacles in front of them with faith and resilience, even in the worst of times. Sean was living proof that hope was a necessary part of survival, and his goal was to imbue that same sense of hope that saved his life with those still waiting for their own miracle. In this, he succeeded many times over. He shared his transplant journey at CF events, through his social media accounts, and in countless other interactions over the years. He trained for and participated multiple times in the annual Hustle Up the Hancock charity stair climb for lung health as part of a team of CF transplant recipients and his lung care team from Loyola.

 

Sean’s singular focus on honoring his donor family’s sacrifice was monumental, and matched only by his enormous heart. He loved his gigantic extended family and ever-growing circle of friends openly, easily, and without end. He drew constant strength from the knowledge that he was a part of something bigger, and his near-perfect attendance at family outings, reunions, ballgames, pub sessions, concerts, and any other setting where shenanigans were sure to take place, only reinforced the core tenet he seemed to live by: cherish the ones you love, get together whenever you can, and love them hard. In this, he also succeeded many times over.

 

Sean was beloved by his parents, Gerald “Jerry” and Margaret “Peggy” (nee Calkins). SP was cherished by his brothers and sisters, Tim (Ginger), Mary (Doug Klein), Katie (Nathan) Frideres, Rita (Randal) Alexander and Marty. He was an adored “Uncle Seany” to his nephews and nieces, Dougie and Aidan Sullivan, Owen and Emmett Frideres, and Rose, Rhys and Ruby Alexander. In addition, Sean was loved fiercely by an enormous family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He took great pride in his Godfather title to Taylor Griffin and Tommy Glynn, the children of his two best friends. Sean’s friendship circle was immense, and he will be missed greatly by everyone that knew and loved him, including his lady, Jill Betuker.

Born and raised in Park Forest, Illinois, Sean began his elementary education at St. Mary’s, and was a 1993 graduate of Marian Catholic High School. He continued his education at Holy Cross College and Boston College. In his professional life, Sean worked beside his family at the Cremation Society of Illinois, serving those who lost their loved ones in their time of need and was a respected member of the Cremation Association of North America.  

 

Visitation will be held Friday, February 11th, from 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral & Cremation Center, 6467 N. Northwest Hwy (one block north of Devon), Chicago 60631. Friends and family are asked to meet directly at St. Juliana Church, 7201 N. Oketo Ave, Chicago 60631 for Mass on Saturday, February 12th at 1:00 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, we are asking donations be made in Sean’s honor to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

 

Out of respect for Sean, who passed from COVID, and the immunocompromised individuals who may attend Sean’s services, we are insisting all attendees to show their COVID vaccination card or negative PCR test at arrival. A link to live stream Sean’s funeral Mass will be updated in the “Events” area of this notice.

Services

Feb 11th
Visitation
February 11, 2022
1 PM
Olson Burke Sullivan Funeral & Cremation Center
6467 Northwest Hwy
Chicago, IL 60631

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