Thomas Christopher (“Sully”) Sullivan
June 17, 1961- November 26, 2025
Thomas Christopher Sullivan, known to all as Sully, passed away suddenly in St. Louis, MO, the city where he was born and where he spent his entire life surrounded by family, friends and the community he deeply loved.
Sully discovered his lifelong passion for the culinary arts as a teenager working for a local French restaurant. That early spark became a distinguished career. Sully was a graduate of Ladue High School and went on to earn a degree from the Culinary Arts Program at St. Louis Community College -Forest Park. For the last 20 years, he shared his expertise and enthusiasm with generations of students as a beloved instructor in the very program that shaped him.
As a chef, Sully brought creativity, discipline and heart to every kitchen he touched. He served in several esteemed clubs and restaurants throughout the St. Louis area, beginning his career at Westwood Country Club. For the last decade, Sully poured his talent and leadership into The Ladue Racquet Club, where he was admired for his skill and hard work. Sully was a long-term member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as well as the local chapter, ACF Chefs de Cuisine Association of St. Louis.
Sully was the son of the late William Carter Sullivan (Jr. and Carolyn Yates Sullivan. He is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years, Debra- Gae Davis (Deb) Sullivan, stepdaughter Kaila Veryl Hajjar. And grandchildren Emma Lynn Harris, and Devlin John Higgins, brother W. Carter Sullivan III (Anne), a cherished niece and several nephews. His family, friends, students, and colleagues will remember him for his fun-loving nature and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Away from the kitchen, Sully was an avid (if not proficient) golfer, a passionate supporter of all St. Louis sports teams and a great lover of animals. His quick Irish wit, loyalty and genuine affection for others enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.
Sully’s legacy lives on in the countless meals he inspired, the students he mentored and the many people who loved him. He will be profoundly missed.
A gathering to honor Sully’s life will be planned for a later date.
My heart is aching. Chris was a beloved friend. So sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Chris’s at Ladue highschool. Chris and his family will be in m prayers.
I will keep Chris in my heart.
Although we lost touch over the years. I will always remember all the fun times we had together sharing a joke, smoke and occasionally a toke as young adults. More importantly, Chris was a great guy. He was honest to the core and was always fun to be around. May the heavens open for you my good man.
Chef you will be missed by many may you rest in peace and don’t let them work you to hard in that heaven kitchen.
I did not know Sully but he sounds like a wonderful man. I have been friends with Deb since grade school. My love, thoughts & prayers are with her & her family during this very difficult time…❤️🙏🙏
I will miss Sully, his loving Deb and being her rock. I also will miss the great meals he prepared when I visited. May he rest in peace! 🙏🙏
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you my dear ol friend of over 60 years Debbie, and your beautiful family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Always here for you. Susie Ruttenberg Macbeth and Family.
My heartfelt condolences to Deb and the family of Sully. He will be greatly missed. I loved him like a brother and of course Deb is like my sister. He always made sure to cook something special for me when I visited St. Louis. My heart is full but I know he’s at rest and cooking for the angels now.
He was an amazing husband, chef and friend who was taken too soon. Love and prayers to the whole family but especially my dear friend Deb. I am truly sorry for your loss
Chris Sully Sullivan and I were best friends growing up from 5 th grade through High School. Although we did stay in touch as much in our later years he was in my thoughts quite a lot especially lately. I was tell a story about him and I in a little league baseball game the other day , and then that next day I found out of his passing. He was such a fun wonderful guy. Taken way too soon. Deb my prayers are with you and your family. There will always be a place in my heart where I hold his friendship dearly. Let me know if you need anything.
Chris, you will truly be missed. DebbiThe Super Bowl parties, and dart league. Nobody was a better partner than you. We use to kick some ass and drink everybody’s beers. Lol. Deb, we are very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers coming. Love you Both
Enjoyed the time I worked with u my friend and the good times we shared. Till we see each other again, save me a spot at the bar