1959

Alumni

Longtime Bronco Bench member John “Jack” Sullivan ’59, MBA ’76 and his wife Joanie are to thank for the Mission Campus’ popular Sullivan Aquatic Center—donated as a gift in appreciation for his Jesuit education. Born in 1937 in Springfield, Mass., and raised in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley, Jack’s experience at Santa Clara University was formative. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Philosophy, and later returning to SCU for his MBA, Jack served as president of the business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, was on the varsity boxing team, and participated in ROTC. It was also where he met his wife and best friend of 60 years. They were married at the Mission in 1959 before moving to Fort Ord., Calif. to begin their life in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of service as a Company Commander, Jack returned to the Bay Area and began working in the financial service industry, ultimately co-founding the investment firm Harris, Bretall, Sullivan and Smith. A devout Catholic with a special devotion to Mary, Jack travelled to Medjugorje, Fatima, and Lourdes, and helped build a church in India. He loved poetry and music, playing and singing the blues on piano. Jack died at the age of 82 on May 23, 2020, and is survived by Joanie, their six children, including son James F. Sullivan J.D. ’96 and daughter-in-law Lisa F. Sullivan ’93, 17 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sister Rena Ann Shafer, and beloved dog, O’Rourke.

01 Jun 2020