God Bless Uncle Bob

Dear Hearts,

December 30th is the 15th anniversary of the death of our third patriarch (since we have been in the New World), Robert Mitchel Sullivan, born December 2, 1928, and died December 30, 2007.

He is the husband of Darlene Shajin Silva Sullivan, the son of John Jeremiah (Lefty, our first patriarch in America) and Anna Conick Sullivan. He is brother of James Patrick Sullivan, Sr. (Big Sully, our second patriarch), Sister Anna Rita Sullivan, Order of Preachers (Dominicans), and Sister Margaret Sullivan, Order of Preachers.

He is father of John, Jim, Bobby, Paul, Tim, Mike, Mary, Margaret, Ella and Peter, and the grandfather of 50 and great grandfather to 3!

Uncle Bob and Aunt Darlene lived one of the great love stories with forty years of marriage, a shining example to all of us. Individually and together, they brought to life the phrase, "There's always room for more!" In other words, all were welcome in their lives, their hearts and their home. Back in the mid 1970s, Uncle Bob scooped up three of us Sullivans from So Cal and brought us along with his own large bunch on a camping trip to Baja, Mexico!

He had the best voice--so kind and sure, and kept us riveted with his wonderful storytelling. But like his brother, my dad, when an injustice had occurred--look out! That voice was strong and sure.

We are so fortunate to have had him for those many years and his advice and influence lives on through his children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. I know my parenting efforts are greatly informed by Uncle Bob and Aunt Darlene.

Thank you, Almighty God, for Bob Sullivan, husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, uncle, priest, warrior, counselor, and faithful servant of The Living God.

God bless us and save us and keep us from harm.

Love, Patty