Thomas John Sullivan

Thomas John Sullivan
22 February 1940 to 14 March 2025

On Friday, 14 March 2025, surrounded by family at the home of his beloved daughter Kate and his son-in-law Scott, passed away after struggling with several health issues. He was 85 years of age and resided in Vienna, Virginia, with his beloved wife, Kathleen, who would have been married for 53 years on March 17th 2025, a fitting date for them as they both loved and treasured their Irish heritage with a passion.

Thomas was born on 22 February 1940 in Granville, NY to Timothy George and Gertrude Veronica Sullivan, his loving parents. Along with his older brother Gene and younger brother Mark, the family moved to Manchester CT. Both his brothers preceded him in passing. This is where the family grew up and Thomas eventually went on to college at Central Connecticut State University where he graduated not only as class valedictorian but also as president of the study body school council. He was studying for and working on getting his PHD in education when he was recruited by the intelligence community and went on to receive his masters degree in History at the University of Maryland.

Thomas’s decorated intelligence career began in 1965 and he retired in 2002, then became an intelligence contractor until 2011, when he officially retired from public service. His career moved him and his family from Maryland to Pittsburgh, PA, Bloomington MN, Hartford CT, London UK, and then finally to Vienna, VA in 1991, which is where he retired. During his career Thomas traveled throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and of course throughout the United States. He loved his work and the travel that came with it, while being steadfast in his commitment to his wife and children, which were the single most important thing in his life.

He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen, his sons Frederick, Timothy, Thomas, as well as his daughters Gretchen, Kate, and the late Bronwyn. His grandchildren Jeffrey, Clarissa, Sean, Maggie, and Phaelan, and his great grandson Dexter.

To say that Thomas was an incredible husband and father is the understatement of all time. Nothing meant more to him than his wife and family who he always put before his own needs. They were the love of his life. His love of travel shined through with his family as he and Kathleen took multiple trips to Ireland and during his working years in London traveled throughout Europe with Kathleen and his two youngest daughters. He and Kathleen loved Ireland and their Vienna home is filled with all kinds of unique and beautiful Waterford Crystal and other artifacts they would have shipped directly from each time they went.

He loved automobiles, especially driving convertibles with the top down, all of which had manual transmissions. He loved watching all pro sports with his family, especially when the Pittsburgh Steelers played as well as the Washington Nationals.

Friends and family are welcome to Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna VA on Thursday 20 March between 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Vienna VA on Friday, March 21 at 11am.