Baby Sullivan Ira Hartzell

In Loving Memory of Sullivan Ira Hartzell

April 7, 2025 – April 12, 2025

In his six days of life, Sullivan Ira Hartzell showed more strength, more courage, and more love than many do in a lifetime. Born six weeks early on April 7, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, Sully entered the world with urgency. He came into this world quickly and instantly changed ours.

Shortly after his birth, the medical team found that his brain had suffered significant damage. But Sully held on. With the help of a breathing tube, he made it through his first day—and then, in a moment that left us all in awe, he did something extraordinary: he breathed on his own. Our brave boy gave us the greatest gift—time.

Time to meet him, to hold him close, to feel his warmth. Time to sing to him and play him music, to whisper how deeply he was loved, and to tell him how proud we were of his fight. Sully gave time to his people—his mom, Brenna, and his dad, Eric; his loving family and the many hearts that had been praying for his arrival. He brought us together, softening and strengthening us all at once. Sully knew only love, every moment of his life. He was held every day. He was never alone.

In his short time with us, Sully reminded us of what truly matters. He helped us make space for connection, compassion, and love in its purest form. He will always be our blessing, our miracle, our sweet boy.

We promise to honor his memory by showing up for one another, by living with the same quiet courage he showed us, and by never forgetting the way he made us feel: united, tender, and full of love.

Sweet Sully, your story is written in our hearts forever.

You were here. You mattered. You are loved beyond words.

In lieu of flowers and/or gifts, donations can be made in Sullivan’s memory to Akron Children’s Hospital NICU and/or Palliative Care & Bereavement. To make a donation, please visit : https://www.akronchildrens.org/pages/Giving-Patient-Wish-Lists.html

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)