Thomas M. Sullivan

History: Thomas Michael Sullivan (Tommy) was born on February 2, 1949 in Washington, DC.  Those close to him always knew how much enjoyment he got knowing he was born on Groundhog's Day.  For those who didn't, he was quick to let them know that he and Punxsutawney Phil were birthday buddies!  Tommy was the only son of Thomas and Pauline Sullivan.  He was raised in Hyattsville, MD along with his older sister, Patricia. His early years were spent playing sports, collecting coins, and running the neighborhood with all of his "boys"... Tommy was always such a hard worker.  He was one of the youngest paper boys in his area and took great pride in getting up early everyday to deliver them no matter what the weather was.  While at Northwestern High School, Tommy excelled on the Baseball field.  Baseball was by far one of his life-long passions.  To this day, those who knew him best, still talk about his presence and tenacity on the mound as a pitcher.  His competitive nature and strong work ethic helped drive him to be successful in any aspect of life.    It was also during his time at Northwestern, where he met the love of his life.  Tommy spotted Carol sitting a few rows in front of him at the 1967 State Finals game at Cole Field House.  He quickly saw an empty seat next to her and jumped down to fill that seat.... The rest... they say is history...  That was the start of their amazing 50 year journey together. After graduating from Northwestern Tommy went on to play Baseball at Prince Georges Community College.  While attending he focused his curriculum around Business, Government, and Accounting.Occupation: After College Tommy was hired to work in the Procurement Department for the Department of the Army.  He worked several years their primarily as an Accountant.  During that time he had also picked up a job working at the local Jumbo grocery store for extra money.  In 1971, Tommy's father passed away suddenly.  Tommy was only 21 at the time but that moment left an indelible impression on him.  That was also a driving force behind his decision to work at Jumbo Food Stores Inc. full time starting in 1978.  In 1986, Jumbo Food Stores Inc. became Shoppers Food Warehouse.  Between those two companies, Tommy spent more than 30 years working the produce department floors at almost every store within the Local 400 area.  His family loved surprising him at work and his eyes would light up every time they stopped by for a visit.  He loved his time at Shopper's and it took lots of encouragement from his family for him to finally retire in 2007.He was truly the definition of someone who found something he loved and gave it his all.  Most of those years he insisted on working six days a week.  He was always looking for overtime to ensure his children never went without something they wanted.  His favorite saying regarding work was "Take the money and run!" Those who knew Tommy, knew he had an admirable zest for life.  He was always outgoing, friendly, energetic, and real.  One smile, nod of the head, wink, shrug, or wave could say a million words.  He truly believed in each and every one of us, whether it was as a student, son, daughter, mother or father.  Family:Thomas and Carol were married on October 27, 1973 at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Rockville, Md.  Together they had three children; Alice Carrie Sullivan, Thomas Quinlan Sullivan, and Patrick Michael Sullivan.  More than any other accomplishment, Tommy was most proud of his family.  Anyone who knew him, knew his family by default.  He was quick to tell anyone and everyone about what his kids were doing and how proud he was of them.  Tommy was constantly juggling his schedule at work and for a while nobody understood why.  One day he would ask to work 6am to 2pm and other days it would be 2pm to 10pm.  When finally asked he told them it was so he could be at his kids games to support them.  He was always there for any practice, game, or dance recital.    As his children got older,  he was  blessed to become a Father once again to Chris Jackson, Carissa Cherry, and Lindsey Halley.   Tommy was the father to Chris that he never had for more than 25 years.  In 2000, he became a Grandfather for the first time.   For the next 16 years, he was there for the birth of all eight grandchildren and always had special names for them holding each one of them near and dear to his heart.  This year the grandchildren grew from seven to eight and so the name changed from "The Magnificent Seven" to "The Great Eight"...  The Great Eight include Christian Franklin Jackson II, Cameron Thomas Jackson, Caylin Alice Jackson, Callie Anne Sullivan, Patrick Thomas Sullivan, Thomas Michael Sullivan, Kennedy Quinn Sullivan, and Ava Grace Sullivan.?Regards:???On November 24, 2016 Thomas Michael Sullivan passed away.  He was at home on Thanksgiving surrounded by his entire  family.  We take great pride knowing that as soon as he left this earth he was reunited with his sister and parents in Heaven.  We also take great solace knowing that he was at complete peace with his life.  His Legacy is as strong as ever and our lives have forever been touched by having him in it.  He was a beloved son and brother, devoted husband, loving and proud Dad and Grandpa.   He was a wonderful man who will be truly missed each and every day.Dad,  we wanted to personally thank you for making each one of us the person we are today.  You are truly one of the greats and we feel blessed knowing we will have you watching over us.  You will forever be in our hearts.  Until we meet again my friend....