Martin "Marty" F. Sullivan

Martin (“Marty”) Ford Sullivan, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend passed away peacefully on February 9 at age 80. Marty was first and foremost a man who valued God and family above all else. Adored by his immediate and extended family, Marty was defined as a true patriarch, a generous and loving man with an exceptional Irish wit. He was born in Mattoon, Illinois on October 1, 1942, to Robert and Theresa Sullivan. Shortly thereafter, the young family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Marty and his younger brother, Robert, Jr. spent their childhoods building lifelong memories fishing, hunting, and playing golf. Marty followed in his father’s footsteps and attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1964 and further cemented his fanaticism for Fighting Irish football. It was during those formative years when Marty was introduced to the love of his life, Loretta. They were married on January 22, 1966, and the two set out to start their new lives together, eventually landing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Over the next ten years, Marty and Loretta would bring seven children into the world. As a husband, Marty’s love for Loretta was unwavering and organic, growing stronger as they aged together. A man known to be steadfast in his convictions, Loretta’s happiness and well-being trumped all things. As a father, Marty had the incredible gift of being able to manage his career and cultivate special memories with each and all of his children. Family trips, especially to Holland, Michigan, were chaotic and amazing. He was a stern disciplinarian and compassionate counselor at the same time. He was firm but soft. His deep love for his children and sensitivity to their needs was ever-present. Marty and Loretta eventually moved across the state to Naples, Florida, where he spent the remainder of his life. He continued to make memories with his children and grandchildren, regardless of where they were geographically located. Never one to seek accolades, Marty was quietly generous and charitable with both his time and resources. A faith-filled man, he found great peace in helping others – staying true to his core values of God and family first to the very end. Marty is survived by his loving wife, Loretta, and their extensive family: Joseph and Susan Sullivan, Marty, Jr. and Jodi Sullivan, Kevin and Alison Sullivan, Theresa (Trudy) and Craig Norton, Sean and Barb Sullivan, Bridget Sullivan, and Daniel and Katie Sullivan; his grandchildren: Mary Pat Norton, Joseph Norton, Loretta Van Dzura, Hannah Sullivan, Maggie Sullivan, Paddy Sullivan, Marty Sullivan, III, Molly Sullivan, Sean Sullivan, Jr., William Sullivan, Emily Sullivan, and Annie Sullivan; his great-granddaughter: Trudy B Van Dzura. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Marty’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 625 111th Ave. No., Naples, FL 34108. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Naples, Florida, in honor of Martin F. Sullivan. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

Martin "Marty" F. Sullivan

October 1, 1942 - February 9, 2023