William Dennis "Bill" Sullivan, 93, of Salt Lake City, Utah died Thursday April 5, 2018 at the home of his son in Orem from causes incident to age.
Bill was born in Eureka, Utah on February 8, 1925 to Jeremiah Francis, and Mary Jane Clark Sullivan. He experienced the Great depression in humble mining towns. His family moved to Park City in 1930 where he associated with an ethnically diverse community and learned to love and respect all peoples. His musical education began with his mother teaching him piano at home. He then played cornet in the high school band at Park City High School, and graduated in June 1943. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Though coming out of basic training as a machine gunner, he was fortunate enough to get assigned to the 396th Army Service Force Band in the Philippines.
After the war he worked in the mines for a short time in Park City, and soon enrolled at BYU where he once again played in the school band, and met his future wife who was also in the band. He married Norma Abegg on November 22, 1949, in Provo, Utah. In 1950 Bill graduated from BYU. Bill and Norma moved to San Francisco where Bill studied at San Jose State College and San Francisco State University preparing to become a music teacher. He returned to Utah before completing his graduate studies to play in the Utah Symphony.
Early in his career, Bill taught for a time in the Salt Lake City schools. He toured with the Buddy Morrow band, Drove a cab for a summer, and would return often to San Francisco to play summer jobs.
Bill had a long and notable career as the principle trumpet with the Utah Symphony (1952-1981). His notable recordings which continue to earn respect today include Aaron Copland's Quiet City, the complete works of Gustav Mahler, and the Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets, all recorded with Maurice Abravanel conducting the Utah Symphony (Vanguard recordings). A local favorite was The Holy City, often accompanied by his wife Norma, and played for many years in a special Christmas Eve program in the Yale wards.
Bill was an extraordinary trumpet teacher. Besides his initial teaching in primary school in town, he taught at the University of Utah, BYU, and many private students. Bill was known as an exceptionally patient, kind, gentle, and caring teacher. Along with teaching beginning trumpeters, he taught advanced adults, he even taught the legendary Cat Anderson a private lesson. When asked what he would like to be remember for, Bill replied " A teacher".
Along the way Bill also played with Ballet West, San Francisco Pops Symphony with Arthur Fiedler, New York City Ballet Orchestra, Boston Pops, and numerous other musical groups such as Brass quintets, and university ensembles. In latter years he joined friends to play big band oldies in the Phoenix band. He also performed in a four-piece family "combo" that graced various retirement homes, youth correctional facilities and any other venue that Norma could book.
Bill and Norma raised two boys, Vincent and Sean in Salt Lake. Both studied music as well. Vince following in his fathers footsteps as a trumpet player (though not choosing music as a profession, he did earn a full scholarship at the University of Utah under his father's tutelage). Sean studied percussion/drums.
He served several terms as the Musicians Union President and was quite proud to have brought about the retirement program for the Utah Symphony. Under his leadership many other improvements were established for professional musicians in the State.
He liked to read non-fiction, play golf, and enjoyed his touring travels around the world.
Though not a member of the LDS faith Bill Served as Chorister, Choir Director, and Chairman of the musical committee in the Yale II Ward, Salt Lake Bonneville Stake. He also performed for special events in a great number of the other Churches in town.
He is survived by two sons Vince (Kris), and Sean (SueDette), four grandchildren Casey (Suzy), Cory, Nicholas (Jessica), and Adrianna Sullivan, and five great grandchildren. Also preceded in death by his wife Norma, and sister Mary Margaret.
Funeral services will be held Saturday April 21, 11:00 am. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake, where friends may call prior to the services at 10:00am. Interment will follow in the Orem City Cemetery in Utah County under the direction of Larkin Mortuary.
