John Francis Sullivan
May 11, 1925 ~ March 11, 2019
John Francis (Frannie) Sullivan passed away at his home on March 11, 2019 at the age of 93. He was born May 11, 1925, in Hayden, Colo., to Brendan Patrick and Mary (Marshall) Sullivan. He was the seventh of 13 children to grow up at the family ranch on Williams Fork. His early education was at the Pagoda school and the Williams Fork school situated at the family ranch. Frannie began his high school education in Meeker. He received a ranch deferment during WWII to help keep the family ranch running. Frannie was a “go to guy” if there was a tough job, or problem to be solved, the size never mattered. He was active and energetic; generous with his time; his mechanical know-how; and skill. Frannie learned lifetime values of long and hard work at a very early age on the Sullivan family ranch. He embodied and instilled a remarkable work ethic across the entire Sullivan family and beyond.
On March 3, 1946, he married Carolyn (Russell) in Moab, Utah, and began their lives together at the Sullivan family ranch on Williams Fork. Frannie and Carolyn lived at the ranch where their first two children, Jacque and Joe were born. In 1949 they moved to Meeker, living at the Russell ranch up river where their third son Mike was born, staying there until 1953 when they moved to the little log home located at 268 Garfield St. In 1957 their fourth son Kelly was born. In 1965 Frannie and Carolyn moved their family up the street to 55 Garfield St., where Frannie remained for the duration of his life.
After their move to Meeker, Frannie began working at the Streeter Mine, then White River Electric Association and in the evenings cleaning at the Meeker bank. In 1951 he began working for Rio Blanco Road and Bridge and spent the remaining years (39 total) retiring in 1990, with most of his career as a shop foreman. He spent the remainder of his life helping his children with their numerous projects. He was an active volunteer fireman for 20 years.
Frannie was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters (one of whom was his twin), and eight brothers. He is survived by his wife Carolyn of 73 years, one brother (Melvin), four children (Jacque [Duke] Duzik, Joe [Melanie], Mike [Barbara] and Kelly [Pam]; nine grandchildren (Glenn, Tim, Andi, Sarah Beth, JoLyn, Bradley, Joe, Casey and McKenzie), 14 great-grandchildren (Taylor, Mattie Jo, Ian, Alyson, Kelli, Tate, Blair, Serena, Sadie, Ryan, Rylee, Hudson, Cole and Ash); and numerous nephews, nieces and many friends. He became fondly known as “Johnny” after his first grandchild was born. Frannie often said that his family was his greatest accomplishment in life.
The family would like to extend a very special “thank you” to the home health gals: Vicki, Jen, Betty Lou, Leah and Janelle; Dr. Williams and Dr. Anderson; Western Slope In-Home Care: Ellie, Rosemary, Christy and Dehlia, and; HopeWest volunteers.
The family would also like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all those who stopped by to offer their condolences, prayed for the family, provided food and sent flowers. Meeker’s P.E.O. and St. James Episcopal Church ladies provided refreshments after the services which were greatly appreciated.
The celebration of life services conducted by Father Scott and David Cole with organ accompaniment by Mrs. Hollenbeck was immensely appreciated by the entire Sullivan family.
Memorial donations may be made to HopeWest, 575 Third St., Meeker, Colo., 81641.
