By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted May 7, 2025

Reverend Charles J. Sullivan, pastor emeritus of St. Bernard Parish in Philadelphia, died on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Father Sullivan was born on July 26, 1938 in Philadelphia. He is the son of the late David F. Sullivan, and the late Julia Mueller.

Father Sullivan attended Holy Angels Elementary School (Philadelphia) and LaSalle College High School (Wyndmoor), before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Sullivan was ordained on May 21, 1966, at The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia by Most Reverend John J. Krol.

Father Sullivan served as Parochial Vicar, SS. Philip/James Parish, Exton; Holy Saviour Parish, Linwood; Saint Bridget Parish Philadelphia; Annunciation B.V.M. Parish, Havertown; Saint Bernard Parish, Philadelphia; Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Darby; and as Parochial Vicar with senior priest status at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Levittown.

He was named pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Philadelphia in 1992 and in 2008 was named pastor emeritus.

Reception of the Body will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, Jenkintown, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. followed by a viewing. A Parish Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. Most Reverend Joseph Martino will celebrate the Funeral Mass on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM. A viewing will be held beginning at 9:00 AM. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend Monsignor Robert Carroll, Reverend Sean O’Neill, and Reverend Joseph E. Howarth will be the homilist.

Father Sullivan is survived by his nephews and their families. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Philadelphia.