Thomas Anthony O’Sullivan

Thomas Anthony O’Sullivan

March 25, 1926 - April 01, 2009

Thomas Anthony O’Sullivan

March 25, 1926 - April 01, 2009

Obituary

Dr. Thomas A. ‘Tony’ O’Sullivan was a beloved obstetrician who delivered over 6, 000 babies during his career, primarily at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange and at UC Irvine Medical Center.

Born in Crook in the north of England on March 25, 1926 to Michael J. O’Sullivan of Conemara, Ireland and Evelyn Hannigan of Muzik, Pennsylvania, he was the youngest of their three children. From the age of nine, he attended boarding school at St. Joseph’s College in Dumfries, Scotland where he excelled in academics and athletics. He graduated from medical school at King’s College, University of Durham, England in 1949. He completed his OB/GYN specialty training at hospitals in San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Oshawa, Canada.

In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Captain and was stationed at the 16th Field Hospital in Nuremberg, Germany. There he met and married the love of his life, Carolyn Roberts, a beautiful nurse from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1956, they returned to civilian life and settled in southern California. They raised a family of six children in Cowan Heights, Santa Ana and then moved to Mission Viejo.

In addition to almost 30 years in private practice, Dr. O’Sullivan held a variety of other positions including: Clinical Professor at UC Irvine, Ships Doctor for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Medical Director of the Laguna Beach Community Clinic and Director General of Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, a maternity hospital serving Palestinian women.

He had many interests outside of medicine. He sang in the choir at Santiago de Campostella parish for 18 years. He was proud of his Irish heritage and led the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Santa Ana in the 1970s. An avid reader, he loved poetry and could recite entire passages from memory. He enjoyed painting, music and travel and never took for granted the natural beauty of California. A charismatic patriarch known affectionately as ‘Popa’ he regaled his 17 grandchildren with tales of his own youthful escapades. He cherished his family and friends and especially his wife of 53 years, Carolyn, with whom he had a wonderful life.

Dr. O’Sullivan is survived by his sister, Evelyn Aykroyd of England; his wife Carolyn; his six children, Maureen, Tim, Michael, Teresa, Danny and Meghan; his three sons-in-law Laurence Pierce, Ed Smith and John Katzman; his three daughters-in-law Christine, Heather and Kelly; his seventeen grandchildren Alex, Ben, Conor, Brittany, Katie, Joseph, Timothy, Dillon, Zachary, Jacob, Rachel, Patrick, Mary Kate, Finn, Seamus, Danny and Libby, and too many friends to name.

Funeral Mass will be held at Santiago de Campostela, Tuesday April 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fr. Marc’s Orphanage in Haiti Theo’s Work, Inc. 25422 Trabuco Rd., Suite 105-362, Lake Forest, CA 92630.

O’Connor Mortuary, 949 581-4300
www.oconnormortuary.com

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31 responses to Thomas Anthony O’Sullivan

  1. We have many wonderful memories of Uncle Tony and our hearts hurt so much for all of you. We know how much you love him, the impact he had on your lives, the influence his tutelage provided and the wisdom he imparted. May you continue to lean on one another, your joy exceed your grief and God’s grace shower you with His peace.

  2. Joyce Dunn says:

    My mom, Shirley, worked for Dr. O’Sullivan for many years. I also went to him for all 3 of my pregnancies. He only actually delivered my third child 1980. I remember him telling me that if my episiotomy was uncomfortable it was because he always embroidered his initials and it was the apostrophe that hurt so much. What a wonderful man. He will truly be missed.

  3. Joanne Shea says:

    Dear Theresa and all the O’Sullivan family.
    I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. O’Sullivan. He was my OB physician many years ago and I as well knew him from my many years at CHOC/St. Josephs Hospitals. He was a very good physician and a special person. I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family. Joanne Shea

  4. Sharon Akins says:

    Lit a candle in memory of Thomas Anthony O’Sullivan

  5. Dear Dr. O’Sullivan,

    Sixty-two years ago today {on 3-4-1959) you delivered my 2nd child, my daughter, Amber. And 58 1/2 years ago (9-8-1962) you delivered my 4th child, my daughter Rebecca. I felt like we had become old friends by that time.

    Only today did I see that you have gone to be with the Lord. You were such a comfort to me sitting by my bedside during the strongest part of my labor, giving me your strength to endure. I always admired and remember your closeness to God. I felt safe in your presence. I remember you well even though I am only eight days before my 88th birthday.

    May God always bless you and those you love. Thank you for all you did for me and my family.

    Warmly,
    Beverly Jacobs

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