Matthew "Sully" Sullivan Sr Obituary (1970 - 2023)

Matthew 'Sully' Sullivan Sr., a man known for his generous heart, quick wit, and an infectious sense of humor, experienced his final sunset on October 3, 2023. Born on September 5, 1970, in Grand Rapids, MI, Sully lived an extraordinary life full of laughter, love, and many thunderstorms. He was a passionate softball player, a dedicated baseball coach, and a smart businessman who owned his real estate appraisal firm for over 15 years. As someone once said, "A person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed," and our Sully was indeed blessed. Sully was a proud member of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors and an all-star athlete in his time, excelling in both baseball and basketball. He would go on to coach many of his son's travel baseball teams, leading him to some of his lifelong friends. His wit and wisdom were evident in his successful 25-year long career in real estate. But Sully wasn't all work and no play. He was a man who loved to laugh and make others laugh. His witty remarks could light up a room, and his funny stories will remain etched in the memories of everyone who knew him. He was generous not just with his resources but also with his time and love. His passion for watching thunderstorms was only matched by his love for his family. As Mark Twain once noted, "The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation," and Sully embodied this sentiment, intertwining his love for real estate and sports with his warm, welcoming personality. Sully's love story with his beloved wife, Sonnie Sullivan, began on November 7, 1998, and it was a love that flourished for nearly 25 years. What mattered the most to Sully were his wife and their beautiful children, Jenna, Madison, Holly, and Matthew Jr. He was also a proud grandfather to Thurlo Seeley and Wynter Iris. Sully's legacy of love and laughter remains alive in his brother Ben Sullivan, his sister Missy Gregory, and his parents Joe Sullivan and Sue Underhill. Sully was preceded in death by his uncle, Doug Ulanch, and his mother-in-law, Betty North. As we remember Sully, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos to his memorial page. Your stories of Sully's love, laughter, and life will help us all keep his spirit alive. After all, "A day without laughter is a day wasted," and Sully certainly never wasted a day. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date, until then, let us continue his legacy by remembering the joy he brought into our lives.