Michael "West Side Red" Sullivan was born on March 2, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan. A first generation Irishman, his father was from Waterville, County Kerry and his mother was from Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan. Mike had four siblings, Eileen (deceased), Margaret, Tim (deceased) and Dan. They grew up in various neighborhoods around the west side of Detroit.
Mike graduated from Salesian High School in 1954. He followed in his father's footsteps by going into the construction business. He worked for a variety of contractors until 1963 when he started Sullivan Brother's Excavating with his brother Tim. Mike was an owner of Sullivan and O'Sullivan Beer Wholesalers as well as Waterville Construction Company. He was also Chairman of the Genessee County Food Bank. His entrepreneurial spirit inspired many young business men and women.
Irish heritage was a great part of his life. He was a member of the AOH Stephen Walsh Division for over 50 years and served as President of the Building Corporation. In the 1960s he began working on the St. Patrick's Day Parade and ran the event as Chairman for 26 years, from 1977 to 1993. Mike served as President of the United Irish Societies from 1978 to 1983. He also raised a considerable amount of money for the Irish Pallottine Missions in Africa.
Mike passed away Saturday evening, surrounded by his family. He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 44 years, their four children, Michael (Stephanie), Brigid (Jeff), Joe (Eileen) and Barbara, their seven grandchildren (Ryan, Madeline, Maura, Megan, Roan, Jack and Brady), his sister Margaret, and his brother Dan.
Visitation at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi 248-348-1800, Wednesday 4-8 PM and Thursday 4-8 PM with rosary at 7:00 PM.
Instate Friday at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23815 Power Road, Farmington Hills from 9:30 AM until time of funeral liturgy 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Irish Pallottine Missions – www.irishpallottines.org/ and Angela Hospice – www.angelahospice.org/