Dennis Sullivan's Obituary
Dennis Charles Sullivan, age 64 of Newberry, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019 at E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville. Dennis was born March 1, 1955 at Alachua General Hospital in Gainesville, FL. Dennis lived all but a few years of his life in Gainesville, working as a tree surgeon and equipment operator. Dennis was an Icon in the Tree Business. He worked throughout the years trimming and removing trees for various companies including Sapp’s Tree Services, Gaston’s Tree Services, and even performed the excessively dangerous work of power line clearance for Asplundh. But for the past 15 years Dennis was most proud to work at Alachua County Public Works, Road and Bridge Division. He was so proud to be included in the brotherhood with these wonderful men, and we are indebted to them for their continued love and support.
Few were blessed with the gift and talents that Dennis had. Being a top climber meant he climbed 100+ foot tall pine trees and brought them down piece by piece, limb by limb. He maneuvered in the trees with the grace and ease of a squirrel, while always having his next 5 moves methodically planned for safety. Oh how the crowds gathered and watched as he worked those trees. His reputation kept him very busy! Dennis loved anything “John Deere”. He was proud of his amazing equipment inventory that he built piece by piece over the years, and was known for keeping every item impeccably maintained. He was so kind hearted and honored to help anyone in need.
Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Harold Barnard Sullivan and his mother, Berta Lee George Newman.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Nanette (Nan) Ross Sullivan; his sister, Patricia Ann Johnson (Steven) of Gainesville, his brothers, Harold Michael Sullivan (Linda) of Starke and Robin Trevor Newman of Gainesville. He is also survived by his in-laws, Roger and Judy Ross of Newberry, his sister-in-law, Tonya Mae Ross of Gainesville, brothers-in-law, Mark Duane Ross (Tracy) of Fort White and Timothy Allen Ross (Carla) of Newberry.
Dennis loved each of his nieces and nephews: Kristy Lynn Ross, Kirk Anthony Ross, Zakry Ryne Ross, Roger Joel (RJ) Ross, Lena Michelle Ross, Steven Johnson, Jr., Christopher Sean Johnson (Meghann), Harold Michael Sullivan, Jr. (Stephanie), and John Sullivan. And oh how he loved his great nieces, Jennifer (Jenny) Burns, age 7, and Julianna (Julie) Burns, age 5. These two stole his heart when they were infants and built such precious relationships. We hope they always remember their special times with their Uncle Dennis.
A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd St, with Rev. Patrick Gimenez officiating. A graveside service will immediately follow across the street in Forest Meadows West Cemetery, 700 NW 143rd St. Nan is hoping everyone can join her and the family for food and fellowship at her house following the services, at 3621 NW 170th St, Newberry. The family will receive friends Friday, May 17, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Nan and the family would appreciate donations to the wonderful angels at Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90 Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606, in Dennis’s honor.
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