Richard H. Sullivan, 80, a former Grand Island Diocesan priest, died Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at his home in Grand Island. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Martin L. Egging, Rev. James. J. Janovec, Rev. Thomas A. Ryan will concelebrate the funeral mass with other priests of the Diocese of Grand Island. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 13, 2018, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a vigil service at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Grand Island Central Catholic with a memorial scholarship being established in Richard's name. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Richard was born April 29, 1938, in Grand Island, Nebraska to Joseph L. and Ruth W. (Hastings) Sullivan. Survivors in his immediate family include his sister, Gloria (Sullivan) Reichmann of Cashmere, WA., Seven nieces and nephews, nine grand nieces and nephews, two great grand nieces and nephews. Richard grew up in Grand Island and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1956. He continued his education at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, CO. He was Ordained to the priesthood, May 21, 1964, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island, NE by Most Rev. John L. Paschang. He served as an associate at St. Mary's Cathedral beginning September 21, 1964. He was assigned as assistant pastor at St. Patrick's, in North Platte on June 10, 1965. He traveled to Mexico for Spanish language classes in 1968, and Guatemala in 1969 for missionary work. He returned to Grand Island for a short time before traveling to Brazil in 1970 to continue missionary work. He entered the Peace Corp and served in Senegal, West Africa. In 1989 Richard moved to Poole, NE and began caring for his parents in Grand Island. He moved to Grand Island in 1999. Richard was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He also loved conservation activities, cultivating his garden, and listening to music. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Joseph L. Sullivan Jr. The family is extremely grateful to Rev. James. J. Janovec for his friendship and assistance to Richard in his long illness. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Richard's obituary. Vigil Service Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Monday, November 12, 2018 6:00 PM 518 West State Street Grand Island, Nebraska 68801 Visitation Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Tuesday, November 13, 2018 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 518 West State Street Grand Island, Nebraska 68801 Mass of Christian Burial Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Wednesday, November 14, 2018 10:30 AM 518 West State Street Grand Island, Nebraska 68801