Councilman Sullivan honored aboard USS Turner Joy (DD-951)

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Gaddis IV | 150816-N-EC099-184 BREMERTON, Wash. (Aug. 16, 2015) – Members of the Sullivan family throw the anchor wreath overboard during the memorial service of City Councilman Michael J. Sullivan. Michael Sullivan served 23 years in the Navy and retired at the rank of senior chief, and then he ran for office and was elected in 2013. Sullivan passed away at the age of 65 and was the first councilman to pass during their term in office. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles D. Gaddis IV/Released)  

BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

08.16.2015

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles Gaddis IV 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

BREMERTON, Wash. – Bremerton District 1 City Councilman Michael J. Sullivan, a retired Navy submariner, was honored during his memorial service aboard USS Turner Joy (DD-951), Aug. 16.

Sullivan served 23 years in the Navy and advanced to the rank of senior chief petty officer. Shortly after retiring, he ran for city council and was elected in 2013 as vice president of Bremerton District 1.

“I feel his legacy is the spirit of patriotism and fairness,” said Patty Lent, mayor of Bremerton. “He was a great representative of the people.”

Sullivan was an active member of many community groups including the Kitsap County Republican Party, Bremerton Lions Club, Bremerton Navy League and the Bremerton Base United States Submarine Veteran’s Association.

“I wish I’d known him longer,” said Lent. “The things he said and his actions will affect me in my decision making in the future.”

On June 1, 2015, Sullivan was diagnosed with stage-four cancer and 65 days later he passed away in Harrison Medical Center.

Sullivan joined the Navy in 1970 and served aboard submarines including USS Woodrow Wilson (SSBN-624), USS Seawolf (SSN-575) and USS Ohio (SSGN-726).

“I want to thank Mayor Patty Lent and Chairman of the Kitsap County Republican Party Chris Tibbs for their immense support over the past years, especially the last 65 days of his life and to all who attended and supported us,” said Patricia Sullivan, widow of Michael Sullivan.

Sullivan’s memorial service was held aboard the destroyer turned museum USS Turner Joy and was conducted by Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home and supported by Naval Base Kitsap.

• Date Taken: 08.16.2015
• Date Posted: 08.17.2015 17:50
• Story ID: 173434
• Location: BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, US