Obituary of Henry C. Sullivan

Henry ("Hap") Carpenter Sullivan, 86, of Lafayette Hill died Friday, January 23, 2015 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester of natural causes. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Helen (Hartranft) Sullivan; five sons, Kevin (Margie), David (Liz), Brian (Susan), Richard (Katie) and Keith (Lee Ann); loving sister Sheila Keegan (Michael); 11 grandchildren (Alyssa, Daniel, Jacob, Emily, Annie, Peter, Abby, Matthew, Henry, Grace and William); and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his loving sister Phyllis Ann Mills. Born in Philadelphia, the son of Henry Francis and Martha Phyllis (Carpenter) Sullivan, he spent time in Concord, NH and raised his family in Lafayette Hill, PA. Henry attended St. Madeleine Sophie grade school in Philadelphia and graduated from St. John's High School in Concord, NH. As a boy he sold newspapers and worked in a jewelry store where he demonstrated an aptitude for repairing watches. He served in the United States Army Signal Corps at Army Headquarters in Fontainebleau, France during the Korean War. He earned the rank of Sergeant. After honorable discharge from the Army, he went to work for the Philadelphia Gas Works and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering at night from Drexel Institute of Technology in 1963. Additionally, he worked to earn his certification as a Professional Engineer. He then worked for Rohm and Haas Chemical Company as an engineer rising to the position of Safety Director at the Bristol plant. He finished his career at Rohm and Haas serving as an executive at the corporate headquarters. Mr. Sullivan had a passion for model trains. He spent time volunteering at a model railroading club in Fort Washington. Henry had a special talent for crafting miniature landscapes and towns. Christmas time at the Sullivan house often featured an elaborate train platform. Henry served his community in many capacities. He was a Cub Scout leader and Little League baseball coach. He also served as Usher at St. Philip Neri parish. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Philip Neri on Saturday, January 31 at 11am with viewing starting at 10am followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.