Michael Joseph and Dolores Jean Sullivan
Michael Joseph and Dolores Jean Sullivan

The night of March 15, 2018, and the early morning hours of March 16, 2018, marked the return of both Michael Joseph Sullivan and Dolores Jean Sullivan to be with our Lord and Savior.

Michael was born and raised in Glendale, California, while Dolores was born and raised in Adena, Ohio.  As a child, Dolores partook in many adventures in the rural countryside of Ohio with her brothers and sisters. Growing up Michael loved playing baseball and taking fishing trips into the Sierra’s with his grandfather.  Both Michael and Dolores enlisted in the military following their graduation from high school. 

MICHAEL JOSEPH SULLIVAN & DOLORES JEAN SULLIVAN

(October 23, 1940- March 16, 2018) (April 23, 1941- March 15, 2018)

Following his service in the Air Force, Michael discovered his passion for industrial sales.  His cherished career enabled him to showcase his magnetic personality and develop lasting bonds with co-workers and customers.  Following her service in the Navy, Dolores worked diligently as both a mother and in the clerical field at Standard Register, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, and Pleasant Valley Correctional Facility.

Dolores was loved and recognized by co-workers as a warm, forthcoming, and selfless individual.

Thanks to a mutual friend, Michael and Dolores were introduced in 1980 and said their vows in 1984 at St. Peters Church in Lemoore.  From that point on their relationship represented the epitome of commitment and sacrifice to one another.  As a married couple, Michael and Dolores enjoyed traveling, cooking, swimming, fishing, watching the San Francisco Giants, card games, country music, reading, and socializing with friends.

In addition to being committed to each other, Michael and Dolores loved and adored their children and grandchildren.  Michael and Dolores were incredibly proud of the fact that their children and grandchildren found professions which were rooted in serving the needs of others.  The couple seldom missed any of their grandchildren’s sporting events, school plays, dance recitals, and church functions. Hosting the entire family for a dinner or swimming session brought a great deal of joy to the couple. 

At the core of Michael and Dolores’ relationship was a shared belief in Jesus and fidelity in carrying out the principles of their faith. Anytime a family member, friend, or stranger needed anything Michael and Dolores came to the rescue.  With mounting health issues, Dolores remained steadfast in living for others.  In turn, Michael devoted his existence to providing top-notch care for Dolores. 

Far more than coincidence was at work when the couple passed away within hours of each other.  Since saying “I do” in 1984, the couple spent every moment together, and our family takes great comfort in knowing that this union continues to persist in heaven.

Michael is survived by his son Zachary Sullivan of Hanford; Dolores is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Janet and Ken Wintz of Hanford and her son Jim Chaney of Lemoore.   Michael and Dolores are also survived by their grandchildren T.J., Nicholas, Kylie, Kaitlyn, and Lindsy.  A visitation will be held on Friday, March 23rd from 4 -7 p.m., with a Vigil Rosary Service beginning at 6 p.m. at Phipps Dale Funeral Chapel in Lemoore. The Mass of Christian Burial for Michael and Dolores will be held on Saturday March 24th at noon at St. Peters Catholic Church in Lemoore with burial to follow at Lemoore Cemetery. In lieu In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to St. Rose McCarthy School, Mary Immaculate Queen School, or San Joaquin Memorial High School.