Raymond Michael Sullivan

Raymond Michael Sullivan

Raymond "Ray" Michael Sullivan, 69, of Erie, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022. Ray was born on March 16, 1953, in Monaca, PA, a son of the late Raymond and Sara Elmer Sullivan.

Ray graduated from Monaca High School in 1971. He completed his bachelor's degree in elementary and special education at Edinboro University. He furthered his studies by receiving a master's degree in secondary school guidance counseling from Gannon University, a degree in cooperative education from IUP, and a supervisor of special education degree from Edinboro University.

Ray began his educational career by teaching special education in the Erie School District, and after thirty years he retired as a supervisor of special education. After retirement, Ray spent several years supervising student teachers as an adjunct professor at Mercyhurst University.

Ray will be remembered as a loyal and loving husband, son, brother, uncle, in-law, and friend. He shared a loving relationship with both his Irish and, by marriage, Italian families. He was a devout member of St. Paul's Parish for 44 years. He volunteered at their food pantry and was a member of their Holy Name society. Ray also served as treasurer of the Erie City Special Olympics for many years.

Ray is survived by Angela (Sapienza) Sullivan, his devoted wife of 44 years; his sisters Janet Shumaker (Brian), Carol Babyak, and Nancy Sullivan; his brother Dr. David Sullivan (Lorie); his uncle and Godfather Robert Elmer (Mary Jane); and brother-in-law Thomas Sapienza (Mary Ann). He is further survived by seven nieces, four nephews, and 19 great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday at St. Paul RC Church, 1617 Walnut St., Erie, PA, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at noon. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA 16502. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate) or St. Paul's Food Pantry c/o Sacred Heart Church, 816 West 26th Street, Erie, PA.