George P. Sullivan

George P. Sullivan passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025. He was born on September 14, 1947 in Holyoke, Massachusetts to the late George and Barbara (Nee: Schirch) Sullivan. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years Diane and their sons Tyler (Emma), Blake (Emma), and their granddaughter Georgia, as well as sons from a previous marriage Drew (Nicole), Chad (Angie) and grandchildren Lux, Ryder, Brynlee; sisters Kathy Kooken, Mary Grace and Lynn (Bill) Matthews, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and several in-laws. Faith, family, academics, and athletics were pillars of George’s life. From a young age, he displayed both athletic talent and academic promise. He fell in love with baseball and basketball during childhood, and one of his fondest memories was leading his 12-year-old Little League baseball team to an undefeated season. George later attended prep school at St. Thomas Moore in Montville, Connecticut, where he was co-captain of the basketball team and excelled in the classroom. He went on to study at Canisius University in Buffalo, New York, playing Division I basketball with aspirations of a professional career after graduating. A significant knee injury abbreviated his athletic career, but opened the door to a new, equally rewarding and successful professional path. George earned his Bachelor’s degree in education from Springfield College and went on to build a highly successful career in sales. Driven by a passion for coaching others to grow into their best selves, he eventually left his career in sales to co-found The Chatham Group, an executive coaching and leadership consulting firm. For the past 20 years, George coached Fortune 100 executives, empowering them to become more effective leaders. George was a man of deep faith, attending mass nearly every day and serving as a devoted member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Volo, Illinois. He was caring, compassionate, and devoted to his family, friends, colleagues, and to all those he came in contact with. His generosity knew no bounds, though he never sought recognition for it. It became a running joke amongst our family that he never had cash on him—because whenever he did, he would inevitably give it away to someone he thought needed it more. He regularly gave anonymously to organizations, causes, and people he believed in because he felt that a life in service to others is a life well lived. George was an avid reader, a history enthusiast, and a gifted writer. He had a love for classic films and comedy–Seinfeld could be found playing on repeat in the Sullivan household. He loved all things health and fitness, sports, rooting for the Yankees and Patriots, attending symphony concerts with his wife Diane, playing golf with his family and friends, and, most of all, spending time with his family. George loved escaping Chicago winters with his family in Southwest Florida, and annual summer vacations on beautiful Cape Cod. George will be remembered for his incredible generosity, selflessness, humility, witty sense of humor, and kind heart. He was always exceptionally encouraging to family, friends, and colleagues, and got immense joy and fulfillment out of seeing others succeed. His presence, guidance, and leadership within his family was larger than life, and is something that will never be replaced. His smile could light up any room, and he carried that smile with him until the day that he passed. George will be missed dearly by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength will live on in the lives he touched. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to George’s wonderful Guardian hospice team Anna, Judy and Taraz for their extreme compassion and kindness, his very special caregivers Paul and Jolanta, and all those who watched over him and took care of him at Aspen Woods. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the organ fund at St. Peter’s Church in Volo, Illinois in honor of George’s love of music. Please visit www.stpetervolo.org to give. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave. (Rt. 176, one block West of Milwaukee Ave.) in Libertyville. Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at St. Peter Catholic Church, 27551 Volo Village Rd. in Volo, IL. Interment will follow to Ascension Cemetery. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

George P. Sullivan

September 14, 1947 - August 10, 2025