CSM (Ret) Mark Sullivan

CSM (Ret) Mark Sullivan went home on angel’s wings to the loving hands of God. Only 63, he fought his brief bout with cancer fiercely because he had so much to live for here on earth: his beautiful daughter Annica only 6 years old, his beloved wife Rosa, his brother and sisters, work he excelled at, and many families and friends known through his many Army assignments. Mark was born to Clara (Tomisman) and John J. Sullivan in Albany, NY. He grew up in Delmar, Duanesburg, and Schoharie, NY. After graduating from Duanesburg High School, he went to SUNY Oneonta and then spent a few years working on his family’s beef farm. Then, he enlisted in the Army and began a career in the Army Finance Corps which would see him traveling the world as he was stationed in Korea, Germany, the United States and later Afghanistan and the former Ft. Benjamin Harrison as a civilian employee. From 1985 to 2008, he served as an active duty soldier going where the Army sent him, culminating his career as Command Sergeant Major for the 176th Finance Battalion in Yongsan, Korea. For over 22 years in the Army, Mark served honorably in many staff and leadership positions and countless soldiers and families. At the pinnacle of his military education, Mark graduated from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy in 2004. He also earned numerous awards and decorations throughout his Army career, culminating with the Legion of Merit medal. After retiring in 2008, he spent another 8 years as a civilian employee at Camp Carroll in Korea. His most recent assignment was in Indianapolis as a Senior Financial Manager for the United States Army Financial Management Command. In total, Mark served the federal government for over 35 years. In 2020, Mark was recognized for his exemplary service to the Army and his significant contributions to the Army and its communities by receiving a national Association of the United States Army (AUSA) award, The Joseph P. Cribbins Medal. This medal is awarded to just one Army civilian employee each year, and in 2020, Mark was chosen to receive this coveted award. Mr. G. Eric Reid, Mark’s former director, said, “It’s amazing. I wouldn’t have the energy to do all those things he does outside work while doing all the great work he does as a Department of the Army civilian.” Mark replied “I don’t do this job for recognition… I’m an under-the-radar kind of guy.” That may be true, but those he served with did notice and are filling his wife Rosa’s Facebook page with comments about how he made a difference in their lives. Most of them point out that “He was humble, quiet, unassuming, and a tireless worker.” Mark’s love and devotion to his family has been at the core of his life. Rosa was the center of his universe and for five years they fought to bring Annica from the Philippines to complete their little family. When asked about Annica and becoming a father, he would smile and say, “She is perfect.” He was also a man who honored his parents. Always close to his mother and father, he was there for them in their final days, flying to Florida as much as he could to sit and be with his father in his last year. Mark was also deeply involved with his church both in Korea and here in Greenfield. He served as a lector, usher, a finance committee member, and coordinator of volunteer projects. He organized food drives, landscaping days, and projects like completely tearing down and rebuilding a local women’s shelter. Mark never stopped actively helping his church and community. Mark was also a top runner. In high school, he was a standout baseball and basketball player, but once in the Army, he started to run marathons and 10k’s, both local and national. For a while, he represented the Army running on the All Army Team where he traveled to run races. He was not just your average runner… he was the guy who showed up and won the local 10k. And, he used his organizing talents to put on races to raise money for charity. He also stayed close to his Schoharie roots. While he lived there, he was active in the Old Stone Fort Historical Society. He participated in historical reenactments, helped maintain the cemetery and museum, and conducted historical research. After he left, he continued to research and write articles for their semi-annual magazine. Mark is survived by his wife Rosalinda Sullivan, daughter Annica Sullivan, brother Anthony Sullivan and wife Nee- Wah Sullivan, sisters Cynthia Kelly and husband Robert Kelly, Judith Valloze and husband John Valloze, and Chris Van Meter and husband David Van Meter, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Robert Sullivan, his parents John and Clara Sullivan, and his beloved dog Atazha. We will be celebrating Mark’s life at St. Michael Catholic Church in Greenfield, Indiana on January 13, 2023. Mark will be having a spring burial at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington where he will rest with several of his brothers in arms. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to: Hancock County Historical Society PO Box 375 Greenfield, IN 46140 Fisher House Friends of Houston 1333 Old Spanish Trail, Suite G #128 Houston, TX 77054

CSM (Ret) Mark Sullivan

December 2, 1958 - November 22, 2022