William F Sullivan (Age 87)
Memorial service info
William F. Sullivan, 87, passed away on July 25, 2026, at Goodwin House Alexandria in Virginia.
Bill was born to Helene O’Neill Sullivan and Joseph David Sullivan and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut, where he graduated from the Fairfield College Preparatory School. His college years were spent at Duquesne University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English, History and Education.
After serving in the U.S. Army for two years, Bill settled in Arlington, Virginia, where he began his 38 year career with the Arlington Public School system. His first job was as a Job Placement Coordinator at The George Mason Center where he implemented programs for students with disabilities. During that time he placed hundreds of students in supportive job placements, many of whom became permanently employed by and eventually retired from the Federal government.
In 1975 Bill was hired a a Program Coordinator for Students with Special Needs at the Arlington Career Center where he eventually retired as the Center’s Director in 2004. During his time there he continued his education, earning a Master’s degree in Special Education and a Doctorate in Counseling and Human Development, both from The George Washington University.
Bill was a Licensed Professional Counselor and served as a consultant for the United States Government’s Senior Executive Service members on effective leadership practices and also as a Research Associate at Children’s National Medical Center where he trained several medical residents in developing skills to effectively communicate with parents of children with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.
At different times between 1983 and 1988, Bill taught as an Adjunct Professor at Trinity College, The George Washington University and George Mason University. Bill never tired or wavered in his love of education and of helping students find their passion. Given the opportunity, he would talk to anyone interested in furthering their education or assist them in making it happen.
At a “singles” dance at the Washington Hotel in the 60’s, Bill met his future wife, Bea. His kindness, integrity and beautiful singing voice, not to mention his Irish good looks, won Bea over and they married in 1968. They were blessed with two children, a daughter and a son.
In 2018 Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. To no one’s surprise, he rose above the disease, living his final years with courage, kindness, dignity – and song – “Danny Boy” being his longtime favorite and a song he would sing to anyone willing to listen. Bill was a wonderful husband, father, adoring “Pa” to his grandchildren, brother and friend, respected by all and loved by so many. He will be deeply missed.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helene Sullivan. In addition to his wife, Bea, of 58 years, Bill is survived by his children, daughter Erin (Chris); son, Matthew (Elana); grandchildren Nicholas and Patrick Lee and Jonah, Rowan and Ryann Sullivan; brother Dave (Anneliese); niece, Barbara Sullivan; nephew Stefan Sullivan (Marina) and their sons, Bruno and Lucas.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 4:00 pm at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Alexandria, VA, with a reception immediately following at Goodwin House, Alexandria, VA.
Donations may be made to the Arlington Community Foundation “Future Educators Scholarship Fund” or to the Goodwin Living Foundation “Team Member Support Fund” through their websites.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
The following memorial event is planned.
Memorial Events For William Sullivan
Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4 pm-5 pm
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
1427 West Braddock Road , Alexandria, Virginia, 22302
