Dennis Duane Sullivan, 80, of Boulder passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 16, 2024, with his loving wife Cora by his side.
Dennis was born on July 5, 1944, in Bremerton, Wa., to Emmett and Dorothy (Lee) Sullivan. He grew up in Butte before joining the U.S. Navy and serving in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968.
After his service, Dennis pursued an associate’s degree in engineering. He held jobs at the Montana Developmental Center, served as an equipment technician at the Civic Center in Butte, worked at the Berkeley Pit, and built many houses, roofs, and garages in Boulder.
Dennis went on to become Boulder’s chief of police for 20 years, earning the respect and admiration of the community he served. A social and loving man, Dennis’s favorite thing to do was spending time with family, friends, and neighbors often buying a round for his friends when stopping by the local pub. His pastimes included hunting, fishing, and working with his Harley.
Dennis was also an avid bowler, playing in a league for many years. His team bowled hard and had a lot of fun. They were members of the USBC and traveled to Reno often to play in the tournaments, even winning as League Champion in 2005-2006.
On Sept. 26, 2021, Dennis married Cora Helm Sullivan in Las Vegas, and the two shared happy years together, with many great adventures such as attending an Andrea Bocelli concert in Arizona, taking an Alaskan cruise and annual trips to Las Vegas.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Terri; his son, Jason; his brother, Jim; and his sister, Patricia.
He is survived by his wife, Cora Helm Sullivan; his son, Shannon Sullivan; his daughter, Sheila Milholland (Gordon); his brother, Jerry (Mary Francis) Sullivan; his sisters Chris (Greg) James and Michelle (Cody) Wood; grandchildren Ashley, Lily and Brenna Sullivan, Blake (Jessi) and Brett (Samantha) Milholland and Jered, Jeyden, Jeyce, and Jesten Sullivan (Katie Watts); a great-granddaughter, Abigail Sullivan; and Isla Milholland, along with numerous nieces and nephews with whom he had great relationships.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Animal Shelter and Care of Jefferson County in honor of Dennis.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 at the Boulder City Cemetery in Boulder, immediately followed by a reception at Dave’s 32oz Bar, Grill and Bowling, 115 N. Main St., in Boulder.
Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or a memory of Dennis.
