Dr. Thomas Sullivan
Dr. Thomas Michael Sullivan, our friendly neighborhood band director, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, in Pima, Arizona, at the age of 75, surrounded by loving family.
He was born in Los Angeles, California, and for over 50 years, he directed bands at a wide variety of schools and organizations in California and Arizona. Tom served the Gila Valley community as he taught music at Pima High School, Eastern Arizona College, Safford High School, Solomon Schools, and the EAC Community Band.
Tom was a beloved former band director and Fine Arts Division chair whose passion for music and education left a lasting impact on our campus and community.
Dr. Sullivan joined EAC as band director in 1997 and served as Fine Arts Division chair during his final two years. He later returned as an adjunct instructor from 2019 to 2022. He also founded the EAC Community Jazz Band, a program that continues to bring people together through music. Before his passing, Dr. Sullivan personally handed the conductor’s baton to Dr. Gary Sorensen, who now leads the ensemble.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University at Long Beach and his master’s and doctorate degrees from Northern Arizona University.
We honor his legacy and the many lives he touched. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former students.
Tom is survived by his wife, Irene; his children, Mary, Thomas, Robert, Melissa, Heath, Eben, and Larra; his siblings, Patrick, Michael, and Kate; and his 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Dolores, and his brother, Larry.
Bishop Kevin Peck of the Pima Third Ward will conduct funeral services for Dr. Sullivan on Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m., at the Pima Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Concluding services will follow in the Thatcher Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, April 4, from 6 until 8 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home and Saturday morning, April 5, from 9 until 9:45 a.m., at the Pima Stake Center Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
