Christopher Sullivan

Christopher Sullivan, Ph.D., died at home on January 20, 2020, surrounded by his beloved wife and children. The consummate family man, Chris was born February 3, 1961, in Boston to the late Walter J. and Mary T. (Costanza) Sullivan.

Among his many achievements, Chris’ greatest pride was his family. Raised in Reading, Massachusetts, he graduated from Reading Memorial High School, class of ’79. Chris was an accomplished three-season athlete, lettering in many fields and eventually achieved captain of the track team. His next 10 years were spent in his beloved Colorado. It was there at the base of the Rocky Mountains where he met the true love of his life, Roxy Denee Piper. Married in 1985, they shared an unequalled love story over the next 35 years. In 1990, Chris and Roxy welcomed their daughter Brittany Renee. A petite and quiet child, she soon learned to talk and hasn’t stopped since. In 1994, they welcomed Andrew Walter into their family. Full of zest and energy, Chris always knew his son would be full of something. Above all else, these young parents believed in educating their children. As Chris often said, “I want them to be passionate and successful in their life and careers so that they can afford the therapy they’ll need as a result of being raised by the two of us.” One dear friend remarked of Chris, “what I most appreciate is the example you give to our kids as a dedicated, engaged, and loving parent to Brittany and Andrew; and the respectful loving husband you are to Roxy. This is the gift men like you give to all the kids in the neighborhood.”

Second only to his family was the village of friends in which he was immersed. Known for his love of seafood, Chris was famous for his lobster boil dinner parties. Each return to New England would include a sacred meal of fried clams. (Dinner, breakfast, or lunch! Often all three.) His passion for fly fishing brought him to countless rivers and streams across the country, to which he’d effortlessly plan fishing trips for his fly-fishing buddies. His love for Colorado and the Rocky Mountains remained with him from the moment he first saw them. Chris recently remarked, “There’s nothing like these mountains, standing on the deck, looking out over the trees, hearing the sound of the river below, Rox and the kids inside, for me to feel at home.” A master of the backyard grill, the Sullivan patio and pool was a lively and laugh-filled destination for family and friends. Chris reveled in tasty food, excellent drink, and intense conversation — everything from family to politics. Always in search of the perfect martini, Bombay Sapphire will mourn this loss of revenue.

Chris believed wholeheartedly in the good in others. He empowered people to recognize the good in themselves through education and mentoring. As one colleague said, “I hope Chris knows just how indebted I am to him and how much he played a role in my professional and personal experiences.” Another offered, “Chris is one of the most caring, compassionate, and kind people I’ve ever met. I admire and respect his love for his family and friends.” A former student wrote, “he had this unique sense of humor where it was hard to tell if he was serious or trying to pull your leg, but his little grin would always give it away.” Fearless in asking “the deeper questions” and balancing these with his warm wit and humor, Chris met his battle with cancer with grace and good will. It was his desire to let you — his family and friends — know of his deepest appreciation and love.

Academically and professionally, Chris was a distinguished member of the Indiana professional psychology community. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Colorado State University (CSU) in 1984. He completed his Masters of Science & Psychology from CSU in 1986. In 1989, he earned his Ph.D. (also from CSU) majoring in experimental psychology with an emphasis on cognitive neuropsychology. He joined the faculty at Butler University in 1991 as an associate professor of psychology. With a productive research portfolio, peer-reviewed research publications, and excellence in teaching, he was later promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. Chris would often remark, heading out the door to Butler, “I’m on my way to stamp out ignorance.” In 1994, he began a multi-year process to re-specialize in Clinical Psychology. He became a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Indiana and joined Neuropsychology Associates, a neuropsychology and psychology consultation practice. He first served as an associate, then a partner, and finally assumed ownership of the practice. Chris was an energetic leader in the Indiana Psychological Association (IPA), serving first on the Board of Directors and eventually as President. In November 2019, our esteemed Doctor Sullivan was awarded a lifetime achievement award by IPA for his distinguished contributions to psychology in the State of Indiana. As one Colleague said, “Your warmth, honesty, and insight will be forever cherished.” Chris was sought out as an expert witness in complex medico-legal cases involving brain injury and since 2013 he served as the consultant neuropsychologist to the Indianapolis Colts, providing sports and concussion evaluations. He often said he would do this job for free, but Roxy quickly chimed in, “No. They can afford you.” In recent years he served as the Neuropsychologist Consultant to the NFL Combine, administering baseline cognitive testing to all the invited athletes. Chris wanted us to downplay his professional achievements, so let’s let this be our secret.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Roxy Sullivan of Indianapolis, and his two cherished children Brittany (James) Crichlow of Spain and Andrew of Indianapolis. Chris will be deeply missed by his two brothers W. Joseph (Jamie) of Carmel and Gerard C. (Timothy Hodapp) of Connecticut. He also leaves countless Irish and Italian aunts, uncles and cousins, his cherished Colorado family, and an endless number of friends.

A memorial service will be held at Flanner Buchanan-Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Avenue on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 1pm. Friends may call from 11am until the service time. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions can be made to the IU Simon Cancer Center for prostate cancer research. Please make memorial gifts payable to IU Foundation/Hem-Onc Gifts, and mail to IU Simon Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207. Please indicate “In memory of Christopher Sullivan, Ph.D., HSPP” on your gift.

May the road rise up to meet you, the wind be always at your back, the sun shine warmly upon your face, and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand. (Traditional Irish Blessing)