While studying, he was the goaltender for the Toronto Varsity Blues hockey team.
During World War II, he served as a consultant in otolaryngology with the honorary rank of wing commander in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
In 1957, he was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Diefenbaker, representing the senatorial division of North York, Ontario.
[citation needed] In 1988, he was inducted into the University of Toronto Sports Hall of Fame.
The Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy, named in his honour, is presented annually to the outstanding hockey player in Canadian Interuniversity Sport.