Victor "Chris" Sullivan's Obituary
Victor "Chris" Sullivan passed away suddenly on December 10, 2025, after a shortbattle with pancreatic cancer. He was born April 10, 1957, and preceded in death by hisbeloved mother, Iona Wade. He is survived by his partner of 25 years, Douglas May,Doug's family, and his beloved dog, Nina Garcia. He is also survived by his threechildren Victor, Iona, and Aaron and his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.Friends from across the US are also mourning his passing and celebrating being a partof his life.
Chris loved deeply, was empathetic, and quietly sassy. When he spoke, it was from theheart and people listened. Uncontrollable giggles and laughter would often take overwhen he found something funny especially when it was based on his own sassiness.That smile, that face, and those beautiful eyes captured you and for most, it was love atfirst sight. Curiosity, joy, and enthusiasm best describe how he saw the world and, ofcourse, he always wanted to have the right outfit to mark the occasion. It could take twoto three hours for him to get ready, often saying, "I don't like to be rushed."He loved music. His mother was a jazz and blues singer, and we spent many nights atclubs including Birdland, 54 Below, Joe's Pub, Myron's Cabaret Jazz and others acrossthe country. He loved Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Etta James to name a few. Hedubbed "At Last" by Etta James as our song and made it his ringtone. He also lovedJanet (Miss Jackson if you're nasty), Grace Jones, George Michael, and Anastacia.Small clubs were his thing where we enjoyed people like Sandra Bernhard, MorganJames, Ute Lemper, and Lea Delaria. Crazy about the theater, he loved our annual trip(often multiple trips) to see Broadway shows as well as the Rockettes at Radio CityMusic Hall every Christmas. One of his favorite performances was Audra McDonald'srecent turn at Mama Rose in Gypsy.
Chris loved to travel and we traveled all over the US and throughout Europe. He lovedto eat and you always knew if he liked something because he wouldn't say a wordduring dinner. Pastrami Sandwiches, Fish and Chips, Short Ribs, and anything at theBlack Bass (he called it the Black Whale which of course led to uncontrollable giggling)in Lumberville, PA were his favorites. He was working on his bar in our basement, SirVic's Boom Boom Room which meant lots of Vintage shopping. Mid-Century Modernfurniture and fixtures abound in our home.
On a personal note, he was my partner, confidante, and best friend for almost 25 years.I loved to see things through his eyes because he had an innocence and curiosity inhow he experienced life. I miss him terribly. My one wish is that wherever he is now,he's at a small nightclub, sipping on a Long Island Iced Tea, jaw-jacking (his words) withour dear friend Eugenia, while his mom is on stage singing a jazz tune.A Zoom memorial will be planned for some time in January since people from all overthe US want to remember him. More information to follow.
In the meantime, if you would like to pay tribute to Chris, you can do so by makingdonation to Muskegon Pride at this link: PayPal
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