GERALD F. “JERRY” SULLIVAN

GERALD F. “JERRY” SULLIVAN of Chicago, IL died February 28, 2026 at the age of 78. A licensed funeral director since 1972, he and his sister, Jeanne, assumed leadership of the family business after their father’s death. He later established his own traditional removal service and eventually practiced independently. In 1976, Sullivan purchased Lain-Sullivan Funeral Home, and in 1983 he founded the Cremation Society of Illinois. A graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, he served as president of the Cremation Association of North America in 1955, remained on its board for more than 25 years, and continued as its International Delegate until 2021. Sulivan also served on the boards of the International Cremation Federation and was a member of the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association.