ATLANTA—Father John Sullivan, SM, 78, parochial vicar at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Brookhaven, died July 28.

Father John Sullivan, SM

He professed religious vows to the Society of Mary on Sept. 8, 1959, and recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Father Sullivan was raised and educated in California. He earned degrees in theology at Marist College and philosophy at The Catholic University of America.

After ordination he served at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kauai, Hawaii; Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Honolulu, Hawaii; All Hallows Catholic Church in San Francisco, California; and Notre Dame des Victoires Catholic Church in San Francisco. His final assignment was to Our Lady of the Assumption in 2006.

Father Sullivan was deeply loved by his Marist brothers, family, friends and parishioners, especially the very young children with whom he had a special bond. His kind and gentle spirit, easy laugh and loving nature brought comfort and joy to all who knew him, including the sick and dying to whom he ministered. He was known for his love of travel and his extensive Hawaiian shirt collection.

Father Sullivan is survived by his brother, Martin, cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as by his brother priests and religious in the Society of Mary, the religious community that he called his family for 56 years.

The Mass of the Resurrection for Father Sullivan was celebrated Aug. 1 at Our Lady of the Assumption.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Our Lady of the Assumption Church, OLA Preschool or OLA Catholic School at 1350 Hearst Drive, Brookhaven, GA 30319 or to the Marist Society, Attn.: Donations, at 4408 8th Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20017.