Cornelius (Con) Joseph Sullivan

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Cornelius (Con) Joseph Sullivan, Jr. age 76, of L’Anse, MI died Friday, March 6, 2015 at Bayside Village in L’Anse.

Con was born August 14, 1938 in Ishpeming. He attended the L’Anse elementary and middle schools. After eighth grade he enrolled in St. Lawrence Seminary where he graduated from high school in 1956 and received an associate degree in 1958. He spent one year at St. Paul seminary.

Con enrolled at Northern Michigan University in the fall of 1959 where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science and a Master’s degree in Education and counseling and played football for Northern. Con and his wife Therese were directors of NMU’s first co-ed dorm, Spooner Hall.

In August of 1960 he wed his best friend and love of his life, Mary Therese Wadaga who cared for him and their children through their 54 years of marriage. Therese’s’ devotion, encouragement and tender loving care kept Con going right up to the end.

In 1963 the young family returned to L’Anse where Con began a 29 year career in teaching and administration. During the early years of his return to L’Anse he worked summers for different construction companies and later in the office at Celotex.

During his time as Junior High principal, Con, with the aid of his staff, began work on the Middle school concept which ultimately became a reality. He retired after the 1992 school year. During retirement he helped care for their son, Sean who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis.

Con was a devout member of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish where he served as president of the school board, member of the parish council, lector and member of the Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Lions Club and the Baraga Memorial Hospital Board, the L’Anse teacher’s group and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel.

Con’s primary interest was his family but also found time for gardening, refinishing furniture and sports. In later years he and Therese enjoyed fixing up and caring for Therese’s grandparent’s farm where they spent their summers riding 4 wheelers and making fire wood.
Con is preceded in death by his parents, C.J. Sullivan, Sr. and Adele (Mall) Sullivan, a brother Jim and his beloved children, Sean and Bridget.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Monica (John) Rovano of Bootjack, four grandchildren, Melissa (Ryan) Wesley and Michael (Aimee) Mazurek, Alexander Kent, Ryan Kent. Three great-grand children: Sean Wesley, Leah Wesley and Nora Mazurek.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 8th from 4-6:00 PM at Jacobson Funeral Home with parish prayers at 5:30 PM by Deacon John Cadeau. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 9th at 1:00 PM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church with Fr. Nick Thompson officiating. Burial will be in the spring in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Con’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com