Lima, OH
William (Bill) Sullivan, age 84, passed away October 9, 2022 at 11:45 pm, at The Greens at Lima Convalescent Home. He was born in North Adams Massachusetts on August 14th 1938. He married Mary Ann Miller in Columbus Ohio in 1967 while both were at Ohio State and celebrated their 50th anniversary at Art Space. William earned a B.A. in English from the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass., an M.A. and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin.
Bill dedicated more than 40 years of service and commitment to both Ohio State University (OSU) Lima and the arts in Lima/Allen County through academic leadership and community service. He joined the English department at OSU in 1971. In 1978 he was promoted to associate professor and served as department coordinator. Consequently, he became assistant dean and served until 2001. After his retirement in 2003 and until 2012, Bill continued to teach courses at OSU. In 2014 he received the OSU Lima’s Violet I. Meek Town and Gown Award, for ardent supporters and promoters of community growth and interaction between the University and the communities it serves.
Bill was an ardent supporter of the arts community in Lima/Allen County., He served on the Board of Trustees of the Council for the Arts of Greater Lima; on the Board of Trustees of WGTE/WGLE-FM (NPR); and on the Allen-Lima Community Access Programming Advisory Board. In 2012, Bill was honored for his critical role in the arts community at the Arts Advocacy Luncheon. From 2008 to 2018, he was the operations manager for the community art center, Art Space.
Bill passionately enjoyed opera, dogs, both his and in fiction and in art. Along with Mary Ann Bill traveled much of the world. Bill and Mary Ann spent a semester at university in Poland. Bill’s favorite trip was a luxury train trip through India. Bill enjoyed many friends and hosted lavish parties in Lima.
There will be a Celebration of Life held on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL where friends may visit from 12 noon until 2:00 pm. Burial of cremated remains will be held privately at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.