Faithful Servant
A dignified Catholic tribute for a deacon, religious, or lifelong parish leader.
Deacon Robert James Sullivan
March 19, 1950 — September 1, 2026
Chicago, Illinois · Chicago, Illinois
Deacon Robert James Sullivan was born on March 19, 1950 — the Feast of Saint Joseph — in Chicago, Illinois, to William and Helen Sullivan. He was baptized at Saint Ignatius Parish on the North Side, where he would serve as an altar boy, a lector, and eventually a permanent deacon for the last twenty-eight years of his life. Robert earned a degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago in 1972 and spent his career as a caseworker and supervisor with Catholic Charities of Chicago, serving families in crisis for thirty-five years. He married Patricia Anne Connelly on August 15, 1974, at Saint Ignatius, and together they raised four children in the faith. In 2000, Robert was ordained a permanent deacon by Cardinal Francis George at Holy Name Cathedral. He served at Saint Ignatius Parish, where he preached, baptized, witnessed marriages, and presided at funerals for nearly three decades. He was particularly devoted to prison ministry at Cook County Jail, where he brought the sacraments and the Word to men who had few other visitors. Deacon Robert Sullivan was known for homilies that were honest, warm, and grounded in the struggles of ordinary life. He was a man of deep prayer, great humor, and tireless service. He entered eternal life on September 1, 2026, the Memorial of Saint Giles. He was 76 years old.
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." — Matthew 25:40
Memorial Service
Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish
1076 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608
September 6, 2026 at 10:30 AM
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How to use this template
This template honors a Catholic deacon, religious sister or brother, lay minister, or lifelong parish servant. The Classic Ivory theme reflects the dignity of a life given in service to the Church.
- 1
Use the full title and religious name
For a deacon, use "Deacon" before the name. For a religious, use the full religious name — e.g., "Sister Mary Joseph, O.P." or "Brother Francis, F.S.C." Include the religious order's full name in the biography.
- 2
Describe the call and the ministry
When did they feel called? What formation did they undergo? What ministries did they serve — hospital chaplaincy, Catholic school teaching, RCIA, prison ministry, social services? Be specific about the communities they served.
- 3
Honor the religious community
For a vowed religious, the community is family. In the Survived By section, include "the sisters/brothers of [Order Name]" as survivors. Note the community's charism — education, healthcare, contemplation, social justice.
- 4
Include the funeral rites
For a religious, the funeral may include a Vigil with the community, a Mass of Christian Burial, and burial in the community cemetery. Include all three if applicable, with full addresses.
- 5
Preview and print
The Classic Ivory theme is ideal for formal church services and religious funerals. It prints cleanly on white or off-white cardstock and is easy to read in low-light sanctuary settings.
Cultural note
For a vowed religious, it is traditional to include the date of First Vows and Final Vows, the name of the novitiate, and any significant ministries or postings. For a permanent deacon, include the date of ordination, the bishop who ordained him, and the parish(es) he served.
Print tip
The Classic Ivory theme prints well on standard white cardstock. For a more formal look, use 80 lb. matte cardstock. Print at 100% scale — do not scale to fit.
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