David G. Sullivan

He was born on July 20, 1943 in Detroit, Mich., son to W. Gordon and Eleonore (Franzen) Sullivan. Dave was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Holy Name High School, class of 1962. He continued his education at Alpena Community College and then Northern Michigan University.

Dave served in the U.S. Air Force from May 13, 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1970. He served at Tan Son Nhut Air Base during the Vietnam War and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dave worked in a variety of jobs at The Photoart Shop in Escanaba. Over the years, he also was employed with Pioneer Kitchens, Dave’s Kustom Kitchens, City of Escanaba and then Walmart, retiring in 2014.

He coached track, football, and basketball at Holy Name Central Grade School and was head varsity football coach for Rapid River. He enjoyed following all the professional Detroit sports teams, especially the Lions.

He loved to spend a summer’s day sitting on his deck, chatting with friends, listening to music, grilling out, and tending his garden. He also enjoyed making models — especially World War I airplanes, and he held a lifelong interest in photography. He had a collection of Kodak cameras, some over 100 years old. In retirement he loved to read, especially learning about the history of Escanaba.

Dave was involved with Alcoholics Anonymous since 1981 and attributed his commitment and service to this organization as one of his proudest achievements. Among survivors are his wife, Andrea Sullivan of Escanaba; children, Eric Sullivan (Tracy), Marc Sullivan, Carrie Sullivan (Mark Rew); grandchildren, Eleanor and Aurelia Sullivan; brother, Steve Sullivan; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, W. Gordon and Eleonore Sullivan; and brothers, Robert and Bill Sullivan.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. Military honors will take place at 4 p.m. and the funeral service will immediately follow with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating.

Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Delta County Cancer Alliance or the Delta Animal Shelter. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.