Tributes
Leave a tributeYOU WERE THE GREATEST MATCHMAKER AND PARTNER THAT I EVER HAD.
None of them are rich, famous or powerful. They are more than that. They are devoted parents and grandparents who are nurturing two more generations of the same kind of people. They are faithful, supportive, loving spouses and loyal friends. They are so much more, and if you know them, you know what I mean.
Tommy Sullivan has blessed my life, as has Jackie. I am a beneficiary of that legacy as are countless others. That much I know. May God bless you and your family always.
I still remember Tommy, Jackie, Grandpa Denny and Mildred coming over for cookouts when I was a little kid as if it were yesterday. Grandpa Denny or Tommy would get the ‘teaching club’ (the one with the formed grip) out of the car trunk, put it in my hands and tell me to ‘just swing’….thus starting my great love of the game…as they did for so many others- what a gift! The friendship between my dad and yours as well as our entire families has always been one that I’ve valued greatly. Even though we all went different directions years ago, the great memories, love and fondness still remain in my heart. I last spoke with Tommy a month or so ago when Janice Borleff and I called him just to say hello. He was so excited about the fun he’d had with you all celebrating his recent birthday. He sounded just like Tommy!
Thanks for posting the great photos- The photo posted by Cindy – he’s wearing the white cap- depicts the way I remember your dad best- vibrant and happy doing what he loved- appears to be from the 70’s or early ’80’s when we were all working together at Minne- Boy did we have fun! And the one posted by Denny with Tommy and Grandpa Denny watching that beautiful swing.
I will keep you all in my prayers. My best wishes for strength and healing to the entire family.
Love to you all-
Caroline Reising Zimmerman
PS: My dad died 11 years ago on October 8th as well…May Tommy and Carl meet up with their golf buddies for many rounds filled with fun and laughter.
I became to feel as though I was one of the family, staying at their residence across from the golf course each weekend and enjoying great conversations with Tommy and hiss entire family. Tommy thank you so much for your friendship golf guidance (when I was on your team) and sharing your family.
Tommy you will missed but not forgotten.
Ed Costello
Tommy Sullivan of Miami Springs, FL passed away October 8, 2015. Born on June 16, 1927 in Rensselaer, IN, he was the first child born to Denis Sullivan and Mildred Brown. From the beginning his life was defined by golf as he was named for Tommy Armour who had won the U.S. Open the day before his birth. Tommy and his two sisters were raised chiefly in the Midwest, but, resources permitting, the family spent winters in Miami to accommodate their golf pro father. Following Tommy’s high school graduation he served in the Navy V-5 program until the end of WWII. He then attended the University of Miami where he played on the golf team, eventually becoming the team captain. Like his father before him, golf was the only profession he wanted. He served as pro at various golf clubs throughout the Midwest. In 1962 Tommy and his father became the owners and operators of the beautiful Minne Monesse Golf Course near Grant Park, IL. It was here that he and Jackie raised their five children in a home conveniently located adjacent to the #8 fairway. When retirement came, he chose to live in Miami Springs, one of his favorite cities. The Miami Springs Golf Course became a second home to him where he played golf and, until recently, even served as week-end starter. He was exceptionally devoted to all his family and many friends. Everyone loved playing golf with him and will think of him whenever the ball is teed up. Tommy was married to the former Jacqueline Lytell now deceased. He is survived by sons: David (Brenda) of Avon, IN, Dennis (Rose), Douglasville, GA, predeceased by son Stephen, daughters: Kathleen Sullivan, Miami Springs,FL, Cynthia Bunker (Douglas) Salt Lake City, UT and sisters: Dorothy Raskin of North Miami, Mary Cook (Jack) of Lake Bluff, IL and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by his family and by all who knew him.
Leave a Tribute
I miss you Tommy. We had a lot of great golf games together. You were always a reliable partner
I just happened to run into Red Baker and Harvey Sass this week, part of the Eddie Mitchell gang, Eddie who past 15 yrs ago together with Tommy in the 70's started the Eddie Mitchell Open to benefit the Happy Day Center for handicap kids, they made a lot of money for those kids and improved living conditions. So many grateful for the contributions those men made in life definitely made this world a better place.