Humphrey Sullivan

Humphrey Sullivan, 91, of Jacksonville, passed away on August 27, 2016.  He was born July 28, 1925 in Oak Park, IL to Humphrey Sullivan Sr., and Elizabeth Druce Sullivan. He grew up in the Midwest then spent most of his career residing in the New York area before moving with his wife, Lois, to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL in 1995.

After serving as a U.S. naval officer in the Pacific during World War II, Sully graduated from Northwestern University in 1948. He began a life-long career in public relations, most of it spent at Lever Brothers Company. He retired in 1987 as Director of Public Affairs. One highlight of his career was serving in the Johnson administration as executive director of Plans for Progress, a national program to increase employment opportunities for minorities.

Sully was an avid sailor, logging many miles from Nova Scotia to the U.K. and the Caribbean. He was an active member of the Noroton Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club and Storm Trysail Club. He and Lois spent many of their retirement years living aboard his yawl “Tala.”

In addition to his wife Lois, Sully is survived by his son Neil, daughters Liza and Jeannie (Gary), niece Karen, five grandchildren and a great niece. He was predeceased by his brother Stewart.

Private family services were held. Donations in honor of Sully can be made to the Mayo Clinic Foundation, 4500 San Pablo Rd. S., Jacksonville, FL 32224.