Michael Joseph Sullivan

Michael Joseph “Mike” Sullivan, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicago to the late Michael and Eleanor (Stockbar) Sullivan, Mike was the oldest of thirteen children. A graduate of St. Kilian School and Mount Carmel High School, class of 1955, he served as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran before building a distinguished career as the owner of the Interim Personnel franchise in Chicago and offices across Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Wisconsin. He took special pride in welcoming six of his children and two sons-in-law into the business, growing it into the largest single-city franchise in the country. Mike deeply valued every employee and firmly believed that all work deserved respect and appreciation.

Throughout his life, Mike cherished a wide circle of friends who became an extension of his large, lively Sullivan family. He was known for his legendary St. Patrick’s Day parties and Sunday open houses at his home on Lake St. Clair, where he welcomed everyone with food, drinks, volleyball, and warm hospitality. His generosity extended far beyond social gatherings; he opened his home to many young people, offering them guidance and support that continued to touch their lives as adults.

In retirement, Mike and his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Ann, divided their time between Florida winters, European travels, and golf outings with his brother Pat and sister-in-law Putsy. Unable to stay idle, he partnered in 2003 with his daughter Joan and son-in-law Bernie to acquire the Interim HealthCare franchise and volunteered at the Career Transition Center and CARA. Above all, Mike delighted in spoiling his grandchildren, rarely missing their games, performances, or recitals. Family weekends at the Beachwalk home, birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, White Sox and Blackhawks games, and trips to New York theater and Disney World created cherished memories. He approached these moments with the joyful spirit of one of the kids himself.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ann (née Wolfe); his children, Anne Marie (David) Gulley, Susy Sullivan (Keith Picher), Joan (Bernie) Bulger, Michael (Katherine) Sullivan, Karen (Tommy) O’Neill, and Moira (David) Borkovec; fifteen grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was a longtime member of Old St. Patrick’s Parish and will be remembered as a man who lived with generosity, loyalty, and an abiding love for family and friends.