Thomas C. Sullivan, a man of faith, a generous philanthropist, a husband, father, internationally recognized business leader and well-respected community leader died Nov. 30 at age 83.
A private funeral Mass was celebrated on Dec 5 and a celebration of life is being planned for July 17.
The youngest of six children, Sullivan graduated from Culver Military Academy and earned a bachelor’s degree from Miami University. He served two years in the Navy before joining Republic Powered Metals, now known as RPM. The firm was founded by his father in 1947 and he rose through the ranks. He was named president in 1970 and after his father’s sudden death the following year, was elected CEO, a position he occupied until retiring in 2002. He remained on the RPM board as chairman emeritus.
Sullivan and his late wife Sandy were active members of St. Malachi Parish in Cleveland. They were deeply involved in promoting education initiatives championing the aspirations of underprivileged youth from elementary school through college. The couple provided financial support and were involved with Metro Catholic and Urban Community schools, as well as the Sullivan Scholars, a nonprofit established by their children.
The Sullivan Scholars Foundation provides full scholarships for impoverished inner city youth who want to attend Catholic high schools.
They also awarded grants through the Sullivan Family Foundation, which they established in 1991 as a means to teach philanthropy to their children and future generations. The assets were transferred to the Catholic Community Foundation in 2003. Among the entities receiving funds were the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Community Service Alliance, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeast Ohio, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in support of its West Side food centers, the West Side Catholic Center and Malachi House.
Sullivan has received numerous awards, including the Archbishop Edward F. Hoban Award for distinguished service to the Diocese of Cleveland. The honor, which is the highest award bestowed by the diocese on individuals and organizations, was presented in 2004 to the Sullivans by Bishop emeritus Anthony Pilla in recognition. “Your extraordinary commitment to the community extends to every corner of the diocese and beyond,” the citation read, through their support of countless Catholic and community-based projects in Northeastern Ohio.
He served on numerous boards including the Catholic Community Foundation board since its founding in 2000, Urban Community School, Malachi House, Cleveland Clinic’s philanthropic campaign, City Year Cleveland, May Dugan Center and many professional boards and organizations.
The Sullivans also received the Jewish Federation’s Eisenman’s Award for exceptional civic contributions.
Survivors include six children: Frank, Sean, Tom Jr., Dan, Kathleen and Julie; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Sandy, his wife of 59 years, died in 2019.
Memorial contributions can be made to Urban Community School, 4909 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44102; MCS Vision Endowment Fund, Metro Catholic School, 3555 W. 54thSt., Cleveland, Ohio 44102 or the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, 15500 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44110.