Ralph Carl Sullivan

Ralph Carl Sullivan, aged 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital after a long and courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Ralph was born on December 22, 1933, in Waterbury, Connecticut to the late Carl Brendan Sullivan and Irene Perpetua Sullivan. He graduated from Bucknell University in 1957 with a BA degree in Political Science and later received a graduate certificate in Management Information Systems from American University.

Ralph served in the U.S. Army where he completed Military Intelligence Cryptoanalysis Training at Fort Devens, MA and was subsequently assigned to the National Security Agency’s Special Projects Office. After his discharge from the Army, Ralph joined the Central Intelligence Agency where he served primarily on the Intelligence Community Staff. He received several Awards of Distinction for developing techniques in support of imagery reconnaissance operations during the Cold War years.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 Ralph was assigned to NPIC (the National Photographic Interpretation Center) in Washington, D.C. and was a member of the team that provided President Kennedy with briefing boards and vital intelligence in order to avert a nuclear showdown.

For 20 years Ralph was both a choir member at St. Mark Catholic Church and a volunteer at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, VA. Following his retirement in 1989 Carol and Ralph enjoyed extensive travels and were particularly fond of cruising. Ralph was an avid sports fan and followed soccer, basketball, baseball and football — never giving up on his Washington Commanders! More recently he cheered on his grandchildren at their soccer and volleyball tournaments. What he treasured most in life were all the precious moments spent with family, friends, and his canine buddy “Reba”.

Ralph is survived by Carol Joyce, his loving wife of 60 years, his beloved sons Brian (Shannon) and Neil (Jackie); and adored grandchildren Ethan, Kelly and Michael Sullivan; his sisters Mercedes Greene of Southington, CT and Nancy Wiatr of Woodbury, CT., and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother Stephen Sullivan and sister Catherine Thomas.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Road, Vienna, VA on Friday, March 28 at 11 a.m. followed by an inurnment in the Parish Memorial Garden and a reception. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Ralph’s name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611.