John Raymond Sullivan

John Raymond Sullivan, age 94, died peacefully on January 8, 2025 in Easton, Maryland. John was born on April 16, 1930 in Minneapolis, Minnesota the son of Marie (Atherton) and Ray Sullivan. After graduating from Columbia Heights High School with his three sisters, John enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served in New Mexico and Iceland, beginning his lifelong career of international professional work. In 1959, John’s work with Bendix Corporation on early satellite tracking stations took him to Santiago, Chile where he worked for NASA and later managed the local satellite tracking station. He met and married his wife, Monica Bluth, in April 1960, and had their three children surrounded by the love of a large Chilean family, where he then became known as “Tio John” and to some “Gringo John”. John’s electronics engineering career with Bendix Corporation would take him and his family to Maryland in 1966. Some of his most memorable experiences included working on NASA space launches and a family trip to witness the first nighttime launch of Apollo 17. Soon work opportunities would lead to many international locations around the world including Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Athens, Greece. International travel became a large part of John’s life, enjoying trips to many parts of the world with his wife and family and acquiring many friends worldwide. His career advancements transferred him back to the United States for new opportunities in New York and Michigan with Honeywell and Allied Signal. Always intent on learning more, John earned a bachelor of science in engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University on the GI Bill studying at night and on weekends; and years later, well into his 50s, John earned an Executive MBA from Michigan State University. Always hard working, handy and deeply analytical, there was no problem or project that John did not conquer. Rebuilding homes, decks, cars and, in later years, endless gifts for his loving grandchildren including doll houses, playgrounds, bicycles and toy rooms. More than anything, John enjoyed time with his family and grandchildren, highlighted by golden summers in Bethany Beach, Delaware where he could always be found under his umbrella with a cold beer and a good book. John was an avid reader, preferring non-fiction and history where he was always fascinated to learn more and engage in deep discussions with friends and family. His later years were enjoyed in beautiful Easton, Maryland where he enjoyed tinkering around his house and yard, and ending each day sitting on his back patio enjoying his birds and sweet dog, Chelsea. John is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Monica, and their three children; Denise Sullivan Pernick (Craig) of Chevy Chase, Maryland, Paul Sullivan (Betsy Garrett) of London, England and Frances Sullivan Lewis (David) of Moorestown, New Jersey as well as their 8 grandchildren (Kevin (Ashley) Pernick, Julia (Nathan) Pernick Lubock, Benjamin Sullivan, Daniel Sullivan, Timothy Sullivan, Jonathan Lewis, Claudia Lewis and Emily Lewis, and one great- granddaughter, Mira Pernick, as well as a large extended family throughout Minnesota and Chile whom he enjoyed visiting throughout his long life. The family will be planning a Celebration of Life in the coming weeks. To honor John’s long and loving life, the family suggests a memorial contribution in his name to the Alzheimer's Association.

John Raymond Sullivan

April 16, 1930 - January 8, 2025