Rochelle News, Rochelle, Illinois
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1950
p. 1
Death Comes to John Sullivan

Veteran Undertaker, Businessman Died Early Sunday in Local Hospital; Services Tues.

Death early Sunday morning claimed the life of John Sullivan, long-time resident of the Rochelle community. Mr. Sullivan died in the Rochelle hospital where he had been a patient for the past two weeks. He had been in ill health for approximately three weeks prior to his death.

Mr. Sullivan had been in the undertaking business in Rochelle for the past 50 years, coming here in 1901 as a partner in the DeCoursey and Sullivan Furniture and Undertaking company located in the building now occupied by the Mutton Electric company. Upon the death of Mr. DeCoursey 30 years later, Mr. Sullivan continued in the undertaking business, disposing of his interests in the furniture enterprise.

Mr. Sullivan was born Oct. 15, 1871 in Lee, Ill., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Sullivan. he attended country school at Lee and graduated in 1898 from an embalming and funeral directors school in Chicago. Immediately following his graduation he came to Rochelle to enter business.

Mr. Sullivan was married to Miss Nell Kirby of Lee on May 23, 1907 and the couple came immediately to Rochelle where they have made their home since.

Mr. Sullivan was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church in Rochelle. he was a 50 year member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, he belonged to the Knights of Columbus and to several state and national embalming associations. Mr. Sullivan was active during his younger days in church activities as well as civic and community programs in Rochelle and he was for many years on of the communities leading businessmen.

Survivors in addition to his widow include two daughters, Patricia and Helen at home; two sons, Cornelius of DeKalb and Dan of Rochelle; a brother Jay Sullivan of Rockford; two sisters, Mrs. John Sweeney and Mrs. David DeCoursey of Rochelle; and two grandchildren.
Services for Mr. Sullivan are to be held Tuesday morning, Nov. 21, at St. Patrick's Catholic church with the Rev. Fr. Thomas Lynam officiating. Burial is to be in the Catholic cemetery in Rochelle with the Unger Funeral home in charge of arrangements.

Contributed by Peg Allen Arnold

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