Eugene "Gene" C. Sullivan

Eugene “Gene” C. Sullivan, 88, of Zelienople, formerly of Chippewa Township, Beaver Falls, PA went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Born on February 19, 1934, in Pittsburgh, PA, Gene was the son of the late Eugene J. Sullivan and Hazel I. Sullivan. He attended Avalon High School, graduating in 1952. He then received a football scholarship to the University of Maryland. After a career ending knee injury, he transferred to Slippery Rock State Teachers College to earn a degree in Education. While there he met the love of his life Ruth whom he was married to for 63 years. He also earned a Master’s Degree from the University of North Carolina. Gene was a Biology and Chemistry teacher at Richland High School as well as being the Head Football Coach from 1964-1975. During that time, he served as an elder at Deer Creek Church and served regularly in their Christian Recreation Program. In 1976 he was hired as the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Geneva College. He served as Head Coach until 1992 and then as an Assistant Coach from 1993 until his retirement in 2013. He was also actively involved with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes In Action. Gene had many accomplishments but what was most important in his life was his desire to have a positive influence on young men, consistently pointing them to Jesus. He loved his family deeply and has left an incredible legacy.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brother, Donald J. Sullivan and his Sister in Law, Elizabeth Sullivan. Gene is survived by his wife, Ruth, his children; Jill (Remo) Bazzoli, Jan (Mike) Noll, Lynn (Andrew) Kartez and Mike (Amy) Sullivan; nine grandchildren, Keenan Bazzoli, Easton (Katrina) Bazzoli, Abbie Bazzoli, Ashley (Dan) Cieply, David Noll, Caden Sullivan, Addyson Sullivan, Jackson Sullivan, Avery Sullivan; three great grandchildren, Coe Cieply, Coulson Cieply and Kaiya Bazzoli and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009 on Monday, September 12, 2022 from 4-8 pm. A funeral service take place at First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009 on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 11 am. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s name to the Gospel Fellowship Church Christian Recreation Program, 161 McFann Road, Valencia, PA 16059 or to the Geneva College Football Program, 3200 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community in Zelienople for their care.