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Paul J. Sullivan

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Sullivan
Paul J. loving father of Linda, Sharon, Paul, Jim, Bob and John. Devoted grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 6. Also survived by numerous other family and friends. He was a retired Cincinnati Firefighter and Air Force Veteran. Passed away on October 7, 2014. Age 83 years. Visitation will be Tues. Oct. 14th from 10:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. at the Radel Funeral Home, 650 Neeb Road, 451-8800. Mass of Christian Burial to follow 1:00 P.M. at St. Dominic Church and gathering with family and friends at The Wishbone Restaurant (on Delhi Pike) immediately following mass. See radlefuneralhome.com for more information.

Tributes & Condolences

Posted by James Sullivan on October 15, 2014 (16:51)
Uncle Paul always made me feel so at home and loved and belonging to this big Sullivan clan when we got to visit Ohio. He would put his big arm around me and tell stories about him and Dick when they were growing up. Yes, my dad was just a regular, hard working and good guy. And he was once a young kid and had family, hapiness, sadness and all the rest. Like Paul. Paul just gave me a perspective (funny and loving) that could not come from anyone else. And all the Sullivan's in Ohio have been so kind to my family when we got the too few times to just visit and hang out. Great memories that are still very clear forty years on.

Posted by gary and betsy goins on October 13, 2014 (19:30)
posted by gary and betsy goins our prayers go out to all of your family and friends. you will definitely be missed. you were one of the nice guys in this world. our contacts in this world were not many, but I will miss knowing you.

Posted by Dan Sullivan on October 13, 2014 (16:35)
What an amazing man my Uncle Paul was. I always felt like I could talk to him about anything, even as a small child. And you would always get the straight scoop from his head and (incredibly huge) heart. My heart aches for my cousins during their time of loss. Much love to one and all.

Posted by Rory J. Sullivan on October 12, 2014 (04:26)
I did not have many direct life experience with Uncle Paul in person, but his spirit was/is so great that I still felt that I knew him really well. The first time I met him (that I can remember) was at my Uncle Mike Sullivan's wedding. Uncle Paul immediately treated me as if he had intimately known me my entire life. He was a real class act, and really took me under his wing and made me feel very welcomed, important, and loved. Of course everyone at the wedding was kind to me, but Uncle Paul really went way above and beyond and made an effort to sincerely talk with me a lot. I vividly remember thinking to myself that I regretting the fact that my family lived so far away from him, as he really had such a uniquely loving heart. Growing up in California, my father (Richard J. Sullivan III) would always tell me stories that his Uncle Paul shared with him, about growing up with Uncle Paul's brother (and my own paternal grandfather) Richard J. Sullivan II. Even the more heartbreaking stories where really wonderful, very human, and very real. They all painted a picture of Uncle Paul as a real quality human being, full of sincerity and humility. My father already mentioned it in his tribute, but it can't be overstated how much Uncle Paul emotionally supported my father through his critical health crisis. Uncle Paul consistently and sincerely was in direct contact with my dad, and really helped him tremendously by just caring enough to be there. My father shared some of Uncle Paul's e-mails with me during that time, and they were all very supportive, philosophical, and full of a wonderful sense of humor. Uncle Paul could always cheer my father up! I can honestly say that my dad's recovery would have been hindered if Uncle Paul was not a part of it. Uncle Paul had an incredibly rich and long life, and was fortunate to have such a large and loving family surrounding him. He greatly enriched my life and I am exponentially grateful to have known and loved him. If someone like me can love him so much from afar, I am sure his immediate family must be feeling a tremendous loss I can only imagine, and I am very sorry for your collective loss. I realize this must be a very hard time for those that lived with him and saw him often. However, I can confidently say that his spirit is in a much better place now, and he is on to greater things! We were fortunate to have had him for such a very long time. We should be grateful that he did not suffer. Please rest assured, of course, that we'll all see him again!

Posted by Richard J. Sullivan III on October 11, 2014 (12:53)
I have such great memories of Uncle Paul as a child, such as a first-class tour of a firehouse, with Uncle Paul lifting me onto the fire pole before the thrilling plunge! During a recent health crisis that almost took my life, he was most supportive when I needed it. I will miss his sense of humor and his real life stories. Uncle Paul will live forever in my heart and fond memories.

Posted by Sakuntala Sullivan on October 11, 2014 (12:44)
To go to sleep in one world and wake up in another ....what a wonderful way to move on... that is what Uncle Paul did ! He was blessed to be able to do this. The first time I met Uncle Paul was at his own father's funeral ..he came up to me and introduced himself...his eyes were moist but he had on the most charming smile...I thought to myself, here is a man who has mastered the art of smiling when your heart is breaking...and made it look easy. That day he passed on to me this great gift ...of smiling while my heart is breaking...I thought I will share this memory with his loved ones to inspire and comfort them as they say farewell to Uncle Paul. With much love now and always.

Posted by John sullivan on October 10, 2014 (08:22)
Rest in peace Dad. You always had a positive outlook. You worked your butt off to provide for all of us and never complained. Enjoy heaven and give my child who didn't make it into this world a big hug for me!

Posted by Paul Sullivan on October 09, 2014 (22:25)
I will miss you so much grandpa. I will miss our talks about life, military, and sports. You have always been a hero to all of us. I hope you are enjoying heaven with your friends and family. I am sure you are telling them about your children, your grandchildren and your great grandchildren. We all love you.

Posted by Kristy on October 09, 2014 (19:57)
It still doesn't seem real. Can't believe you're gone. I know you're in a better place and passed peacefully but I can't help but to be selfish and wish you were here with us. Watch over us from heaven and know that I will always look to you for guidance in times of need. I love you always and forever!!!

Posted by Sharon on October 09, 2014 (19:47)
I LOVE YOU DAD!!! I KNOW HEAVEN IS EVERYTHING YOU EXPECTED :)

Posted by Michael J. Kappa Sr. President. on October 09, 2014 (18:22)
On Behalf of The Greater Cincinnati Fire Retirees we wish to express our sincere sympathy to Paul's Family. What a pleasure it was to work with him he was A Gentleman and an Outstanding Firefighter. He surely will be missed. ,

Posted by Debbie Mason on October 09, 2014 (15:16)
Sullivan Family, Hold on To each other in this time of hardship and pain. I can tell this man was truly loved and cherished. My grandson, Blake, loved him very much. All our prayers to your family from Blakes grandma, Debbie Mason.

Posted by Sandy Feist on October 08, 2014 (22:33)
Linda I want you and your entire family to know how sorry I am for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Your Oldest Daughter on October 08, 2014 (19:28)
Dad, I'm hoping since i am the first on here, that you will see it! I now have a hole in my heart, but am geatful how you left this world, and were not in pain. I remember what you told me about when you leave us, and I am going to do my best to stick to it! This is one of the saddest situations that I have been thru! Would love a sign from you! You were an amazing dad, husband, and wonderful friend to so so many! You will always be in my heart! Watch after us all, and your buddy Henry! Rest in Heavenly Peace, Dad!

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