Gerard "Jerry" M. Sullivan, Sr.

Gerard “Jerry” Michael Sullivan, Sr., 64, of Alanson, died June 26, 2022 at home with family by his side.

Jerry was born October 23, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Dennis Sullivan, Sr. and Mary (Ryan) Sullivan. He attended St. Mary’s of Redford and Cody High School, graduating in 1975. He also attended two years at Henry Ford Community College.

On October 10, 1992, he married the love of his life, Melissa “Missy” Gray at St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey. Together, they had two children, Michael and Ryan, and spent 30 years happily married.

Jerry worked as a cash office clerk for Meijer grocery stores from 1991 until retiring in 2008. He had a gift for quick mathematical calculations and an eye for detail which made him a perfect fit for the job. He also volunteered his talents as a money counter for St. Francis Xavier Church. Jerry was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Indian River and would often volunteer his time handing out tootsie-rolls and other fundraising projects. He was a giver. He was generous with his time, gifts, and ability.

He kept his mind sharp with word games on his phone and nightly game shows puzzles like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. He loved history and researched his Sullivan family background thoroughly. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of life; sometimes just watching the water on the Little Traverse Bay or being with his beloved dogs was all he needed to be happy.

Throughout his life, he had many things to be proud of but without a doubt, the thing that brought him the most joy was watching his boys grown and mature into men. Michael and Ryan were the light in his eyes.

He is survived by his wife, Missy Sullivan of Alanson; his sons, Michael (Carolyn Horton) Sullivan of Grand Rapids and Ryan Sullivan of Alanson; siblings, Mary Ann (John) Darin of Windsor, Ontario, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Tim) LePain of Natick, Massachusetts, Dennis Jr. (Sharon) Sullivan of Saranac, Michigan and Joe (the late Jennifer) Sullivan of Hartland, Michigan; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

There will be a funeral Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 12:00 noon with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Father Greg McCallum will officiate.

For those wishing to make a charitable donation in memory of Jerry, please consider the Knights of Columbus #7365 Cross in the Woods. Check contributions may be sent to 833 Stratford Lane Indian River, MI 49749.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerard "Jerry" M. Sullivan, Sr., please visit our floral store.