Thomas Ralph Sullivan

Tom was born on May 29th, 1934 in San Francisco, the youngest of three sons to Ralph and Elena Sullivan. After grammar school, the family moved to Vallejo where Tom graduated from Vallejo High School in 1952 and Vallejo Junior College in 1954. Tom played football and excelled in music. He played lead saxophone in his band, "The Tom Cats." While playing at a dance, Tom met the love of his life, Juanita Beaudreau, and they were married in 1956. After Tom's career in banking and finance relocated them several times, they settled in San Jose, CA where they raised their three sons.
John, his oldest son, excelled in sports. Tom encouraged John in all aspects of his development. He appreciated the trips John planned for his parents to San Francisco and the coast. Tom and John's shared passion for sports was most apparent when they attended several 49er games. Kenny, his middle son, was an accomplished soccer star in high school. Tom was proud of his son's achievements and attended all his games. Kenny went on to pursue a culinary degree and Tom shared his passion for cooking. Dennis, his youngest son, developed a love of trains. Tom constructed a track and train set in the backyard for Dennis to ride and tour daily. Dennis wore his conductor outfit on every occasion to take a trip down the tracks. Tom loved sharing this time with Dennis.
Tom was a San Francisco 49er Faithful through the good, the bad, and the ugly. He attended games at Kezar Stadium and Candlestick Park. In 2016, he visited the 49er Museum at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara with his good friend, Tom Terry. Tom and Tom made a ritual of having post-game phone calls to analyze the game. They had all the answers for the success and failure of each 49er season. Tom looked forward to family gatherings where many stories and much laughter were shared. Tom had an immense love of family. He and Juanita enjoyed get-togethers with his brother Raymond and wife Loveda. The Sullivan family reunions were always a treat that brought him much joy. Tom also looked forward to attending class reunions with his Vallejo High School classmates.
In 1981, the birth of his first grandchild, Tina, was the start of the next generation that included Shayna, Kyle Michael, Erin, Kyle Andrew, Lauren, and Zachary. Beginning in 2008, Tom became a great-grandfather to Eliana then Landon, Mason, Liam, and Connor followed. Tom smiled most when receiving great hugs from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His paramount accomplishments in life were his 61-year marriage to Juanita, raising his three sons, and being a grandfather to seven and a great-grandfather to five. His joy and pride were most apparent when all were joined together for holidays and other celebrations. Tom brought a light-hearted approach to life and displayed his silly nature on many occasions. Everyone who knew him couldn't help but be infected by his charisma and fun-loving spirit. He was a faithful son, proud brother, caring brother-in-law, kind uncle, loyal husband, and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Tom will forever live in our hearts and memories.