Steve Sullivan, a cherished resident of Ponte Vedra, Florida, passed away on October 15, 2023, at the age of 74.
Steve's journey began in Okinawa in 1949, where he was born while his father, Dan Sullivan, assisted in the post-World War II reconstruction efforts. At just five months old, his parents, Dan Sullivan and Adele Sullivan (Bernstein), moved back to the United States, where Steve's story unfolded.
Steve's life was a testament to his spirit of adventure and his dedication to making the world a better place. He proudly graduated from the University of North Carolina and held an unwavering passion for the Tarheels basketball team. Following college, he embarked on a life-changing journey with the Peace Corps, an experience he held close to his heart as some of the most meaningful years of his young adulthood. This adventure was followed by living in diverse corners of the world, including Germany, Lebanon, and Iran.
Upon his return to the United States, Steve met and married the love of his life, Lesa (Alexander), while working in Charlotte, NC. They later settled in Gaithersburg, MD, where they built a life filled with love.
Steve had an enduring passion for the art of creation and hard work. He dedicated many years to J.A. Jones and their subsidiary, Thompkins Constructors, and most of his remaining working years with Forrester Construction and Gilford Corporation. His contributions extended beyond his career, as he served on the boards of several trade organizations, including American Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, and Housing Unlimited.
In the later stages of his career, Steve embraced the role of an Adjunct Professor at Catholic University, where he found immense joy in imparting his knowledge of construction to graduate students. He was a man of diverse interests and talents, certified as a scuba diver and a skilled snow skier in his younger years. He eagerly looked forward to games of bridge, globetrotting adventures, and swimming sessions with his beloved grandchildren.
Steve's love for travel was boundless. He explored ninety-two countries and lived in six of them outside the USA: Japan, Haiti, Lebanon, Germany, Iran, and Burkina Faso.
Steve is survived by a host of loving individuals who will forever hold him close to their hearts, including his devoted wife, Lesa; his children: Jonathan (Kari) Weitzel and Stephanie (Taylor Lafrinere) Sullivan; and his four adoring grandchildren: Charlotte, Henry, Quinn, and Louis, who affectionately called him 'DeeDa.' He is also survived by his siblings: Terry (Margurette) Sullivan, Daniel (Kathy) Sullivan, and Del Marie (Mark) Kohl. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Shaun (Arora) Sullivan and Peter (Vicky) Sullivan.
Steve Sullivan's dedication, love for family, and adventurous spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of sharing in his extraordinary journey of life. His memory will forever be a source of inspiration and comfort to those who knew and loved him. We will all miss him. In lieu of flowers, please mail donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
