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Gerald Sullivan, Founder of Cremation Society of Illinois, Dies at 78
Sullivan, a prominent figure in the funeral industry, passed away after a brief battle with cancer.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Gerald "Jerry" Sullivan, the founder of the Cremation Society of Illinois and a longtime leader in the funeral industry, has passed away at the age of 78 after a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer. Sullivan, who was born and raised on the West side of Chicago, was a respected figure in the community and played a key role in redefining the funeral industry through his innovative business model.
Why it matters
Sullivan's contributions to the funeral industry, including his founding of the Cremation Society of Illinois and his leadership roles in various industry associations, have had a lasting impact on the way funeral services are provided. His passing marks the end of an era for the Chicago-area funeral industry.
The details
Sullivan, who attended Our Lady Help of Christian grade school, St. Mel's High School, and Loras College, met his wife Peggy at Marty's Lounge in 1971 and they were married in 1973. In 1976, he purchased his first funeral home, Lain-Sullivan, and moved his family to Park Forest, Illinois. Over the years, he became heavily involved in the funeral industry, serving on the boards of the Cremation Association of North America, the International Cremation Federation, and the Australasian Cemeteries & Crematoria Association. He also served as a consultant to the Illinois State Comptroller's office.
- Gerald "Jerry" Sullivan passed away on February 28, 2026.
- Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 3 PM to 8 PM at the Cremation Society of Illinois - Edison Park location.
- The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:30 AM at St. Juliana Catholic Church in Chicago.
The players
Gerald "Jerry" Sullivan
The founder of the Cremation Society of Illinois and a prominent figure in the funeral industry who passed away at the age of 78.
Margaret "Peggy" Calkins
Gerald Sullivan's wife, who he met in 1971 at Marty's Lounge and married in 1973.
Judy Baar Topinka
The former Illinois State Comptroller, for whom Gerald Sullivan served as a consultant.
Donald Fritz
The Director of Operations for the Cremation Society of Illinois.
What’s next
Visitation for Gerald "Jerry" Sullivan will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 3 PM to 8 PM at the Cremation Society of Illinois - Edison Park location. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:30 AM at St. Juliana Catholic Church in Chicago.
The takeaway
Gerald "Jerry" Sullivan's passing marks the end of an era for the Chicago-area funeral industry, as he was a pioneering figure who helped redefine the way funeral services are provided through his innovative business model and leadership roles in various industry associations.
