Father Jeremiah T. Sullivan, 83, died at Bee Hive Homes in Helena, Montana, on September 2, 2020. For nearly 57 years he ministered as priest at Carroll College, and often substituted at parishes throughout the Helena Diocese.
Jeremiah Thomas Sullivan was born in Butte, Montana, on July 16, 1937, the son of Jeremiah and Sadie Sullivan. He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Grade School, Boys Central Catholic High School, and Carroll College. His seminary formation was at the Pontifical North American College with theology studies at the Gregorian University in Rome.
Jeremiah T. Sullivan was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Helena in Rome on December 19, 1962. Father Sullivan returned to the Diocese of Helena in the summer of 1963 and was assigned for the summer at Little Flower Parish in Browning. In the autumn of 1963, he was assigned to the Faculty and remained in that assignment throughout his active priestly ministry. He pursued graduate studies in History at St. Louis University. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, which he employed in Florence, Italy.
One of Father Sullivan’s enduring accomplishments was authoring the Carroll College Mission statement, which embodies the college’s spirit of service to others, academic excellence and commitment to the search for truth through faith and reason. For his four decades of outstanding service to the Carroll College community and the Diocese of Helena, Carroll College awarded him the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa in March of 2007.
Father Jere was a popular presenter on the History of the Catholic Church and the Second Vatican Council. Participants in the Diocese of Helena Program of Formation for Lay Ministers and the Program for Formation for Permanent Deacons benefited from his historical expertise, his memory for detail, and his often humorous approach to the Church’s history.
Father Sullivan accepted Senior Status in July 2007. In his retirement years, he initially lived at Carroll College, then at Touchmark on Saddle Drive, and for his final years at BeeHive Homes. Father Sullivan was grateful to all who provided for his care at both facilities.
Father Jeremiah Sullivan was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jim. He is survived by his nephews and nieces and their families.
There will be visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave. in Helena. Bishop Austin A. Vetter will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church, Caledonia St & N Western Ave, Butte, MT 59701. Burial will follow in the Priests’ Plot at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Father Jeremiah.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday September 10, 2020
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday September 11, 2020
Immaculate Conception Church
Caledonia St & N Western Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday September 10, 2020
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday September 11, 2020
Immaculate Conception Church
Caledonia St & N Western Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
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Shawn O'Rourke says
Father Sullivan was an amazing educator who inspired me to study history and become a teacher myself. He truly was an amazing person. Rest In Peace.
Matthew Vanderwater says
Father Sullivan was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. I was always amazed at his recollection of history, his passion for it, and his love of teaching. Truly a great man.
Autumn Shortman says
Jere was my absolute favorite person I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Hls stories of all the things he did and the places he saw throughout his travels were the best! He was a great teacher and so great with words. I loved talking with him and learning from him and there will definitely not be anyone else like him ♡ Hoping he’s having the best reunion ever with Evel and his brother and parents, what a wonderful and great man that will never be forgotten by anyone that was lucky enough to meet him!
Jack Dornbos says
Brother Jack Dornbos
“Jerry” and I went through I.C. and Boys’ Central in Butte in the 1940s and 50s. He was a joy to grow up with and always stayed faithful. He made great use of his talents.
John/Charlotte fabatz says
Father Sullivan along with his brother Jim and I attended I.C. and Boy’s Central together.
I transferred from McKinley public school to the I.C. in the 6th grade,I was fortunate to form a
friendship with Jerry and Jim and they were very helpful in convincing a few of my classmates that I really
did belong there.( Usually after school)
I had great admiration for the Sullivan family, Jim & joined the Navy together and over the years kept me
up to date on Jerry’s career at Carroll.
RIP Father, say hello to Jim, till we meet again,
John Fabatz
Jack Haffey says
Father Jeremiah was an outstanding person and an outstanding member of the Carroll College faculty. My wife Susan and I send our thoughts and prayers to his remaining family members.
My Mother Clara managed the bookstore at Carroll for twenty years and thought highly of Jeremiah. When she resided at Touchmark herself, he also lived there, and he was so kind to her always, with a great smile and brief visits.
With Susan and me, my sisters Mary Claire and Pat and our families send our condolences.
Jim Kambich says
I was fortunate to have Father Sullivan my Freshman year for History of Civilization. He was an amazing and outstanding educator as stated above. He completely transformed my study habits my first semester of college. He was one if those individuals that really made a difference in a students life. May he rest in peace.