In loving memory of
Edward Sullivan

July 14, 1936

-

August 13, 2021

Obituary
Sign Tribute Wall

Obituary

Edward Joseph Sullivan, 85, peacefully passed away Friday, August 13, 2021.

He was born July 14, 1936, in Springfield, Massachusetts, the middle son of Francis and Mary Sullivan. He married Helen Castro on August 6, 1960, in Springfield, Massachusetts; his beautiful bride of sixty-one years.

Edward lived a life devoted to people and causes. At age seventeen, he proudly joined the U.S. Marines to serve in the Korean War. After his years of service, he received his Master’s in Education in 1967 from Springfield College, moving with his family to Florida where he worked as the Executive Vice President for the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. In his 35 years at FUMCH, he worked tirelessly to be a voice for and a protector of the most vulnerable of all: children. Even in his retirement this dedication continued in his work for the Council on Accreditation leading accreditation efforts for youth development and childcare programs at military bases around the world.

One of his greatest loves was traveling and Edward filled countless passports visiting more than 20 countries, even instilling this sense of adventure in his children and grandchildren. He was loved by all who met him, his warm smile, infectious laughter, and playful sense of humor a reflection of the generous and loving heart within.

He is survived by his wife Helen and their four children: Shawn Sullivan , Kevin Sullivan , Joy Fritts and David McMullen-Sullivan; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He goes to be with his parents, his brothers, and his King.

A celebration of life service will be held once his wife, Helen, has recovered from COVID and can attend. To express condolences, visit https://baldwincremation.com/obituaries/edward-sullivan/

Tribute Wall

Sign the tribute wall

Light a candle

Upload a photo

Upload a Video

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Click the candle you want to light *

Select a picture to upload *
Picture description

Video Title *
Video Description *

Enter Code *

Name Email Website

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Jennie Perkins says:

16 Aug 2023

Dear Helen,
I just found out Ed had passed. Please know you have my heart felt sympathy.
Ed was a remarkable person and a true friend of mine. As you may remember he and I did COA reviews together. I learned so much from him. I will always be thankful he touched my life and heart.
Ed, REST IN PEACE.
Chicago, IL
Jennie Perkins
Daisy says:

25 Sep 2021

Only knew Ed shortly but his smile is one thing that is always remembered. Always made my day getting to see him and Helen making jokes and seeing their love. He was always in good spirit and with Helen such a loving wife and warm heart. I'm sending much love, hugs and prayers to the family ♡
Alan Carlton says:

11 Sep 2021

Words can not express how important the entire Sullivan family was to me growing up. They were my extended family for many, many years. Ed was a perfectionist in his vocation to helping children with a giant heart that he was not afraid to show the world.
I hope you all feel surrounded by by much love and comfort. He will be missed by the many people he helped and loved throughout his lifetime. So much love to you all.
Rodney Cook says:

21 Aug 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Ed was like a second father to me. The Sullivan’s were a second family to me. I grew up constantly underfoot at their house, went on family vacations, David was my best friend. I always felt welcomed and a part of the family. I lived for the times Ed would make me a part of one of his jokes or stories, He always made me feel special. I love Ed, and there aren’t enough words to describe what a gentle loving father he was to all that knew him. What I’m coming to understand is that he was that father to so many, what I’m seeing now is how many lives he’s touched, the beautiful thing about the man is he made you feel like you were special, and in his mind I know that’s how he felt. I’m just glad so many others were touched by his love and caring and felt as special as he saw us. Thank you Sullivan and extended family for sharing your husband, father, uncle with the world. He made it a brighter, better place by being in it.
Kathy Baker says:

18 Aug 2021

Thoughts and prayers are with the Sullivan Family. I have so many memories of Ed. He was my supervisor for several years when I started working at the Florida United Methodist Children's Home 36 years ago. He had such a big, tender heart for the children and youth. My best memory I have is how Ed would refer to Helen. Without fail he would say "my beautiful bride". Rest in Peace Ed - you will be greatly missed.
Joy Fritts says:

18 Aug 2021

I was so incredibly blessed to have this man for my father. His love was unconditional, for those who were his biological children and for those who were his children in his heart. Always a protector of innocent s and with enough love to share with all! The messages on this page give our family so much comfort. To read stories of how he touched so many and was loved by so many is so heart warming.
Melissa Rice says:

17 Aug 2021

Mr.Sullivan I love you so much always have and I always will. You saved me so many times and I am so grateful for you. You treated me like I was your daughter and I will cherish that forever. I know you are at peace but my heart is so broken that we lost you. You will always have a special smile lace in my heart. I love you and thank you for everything.
Tracy Ryan says:

17 Aug 2021

They say, “to know him is to love him” for who could meet this magnificent creature and not fall madly in love? Perhaps to say, “to know him was to be LOVED by him” sums him up quite nicely.
I was loved unconditionally, valued and blessed by his compassion. Both he and my beautiful Aunt Helen have joyously impacted my life from infancy. They certainly were a match made in heaven, destined to show us mere mortals true love at its finest.
DanieLynn D’Ambrosio says:

17 Aug 2021

Pops,
I’ll never forget the joy your brought to everyone and every cottage during my time and after FUMCH!
You have the greatest light and now we can all bask in your glow from above!
Thank you Mr Ed for unconditionally LOVING EVERY CHILD you ever met! Thank you for bringing a sense of safety, warmth, and love to any situation! Thank you for always seeing the light at the end of any tunnel! Thank you for being you!
Much love ❤️
Danielle Lynn DAmbrosio
Dave Stevenson says:

17 Aug 2021

Many years ago when I was a child living in Jacksoville Florida in a one bedroom house with my biological grandmother, aunt, mother, and 4 other brothers and sisters a man walked in the door. His name was Edward J. Sullivan. Ed worked for the Florida United Methodist Childrens Home in Enterprise Florida. He sat down with me, and asked me if I would like to come and stay at the Home. I said, "Yes, please take me now!" He looked at me with a serious but understanding look. Then he said we don't have a bed available for you now, but I'm going to send you to summer camp right away. Ed saved me that day. Today is the anniversary of my first day at the orphanage. I cried that night as I fell asleep. Not because I was unhappy, but because I was happy to finally be in a safe place, a good place with a future. Ed also became my counselor, and I met with him once a week. He encouraged me, and never had anything other than happiness and kindness towards me. When a houseparent over stepped the rules and beat me up, it was Ed that fired and threatened him. Ed always had my back. Many years later it was Ed that helped me get through some difficult times while I was on scholarship to Australia. My story is just one of hundreds children that Ed came to the rescue for. He was my hero, mentor, father figure and more.
Marie Mazzula says:

17 Aug 2021

Mr. Sullivan who I call Dad was the only Dad I ever knew.
He is an amazing man who blessed thousands of youth and adults lives over the 47 years I was a part of the Sullivan family. I will always cherish all the awesome memories I have with him. Not a day goes by that he is not in my thoughts. I love him forever.
I look forward to seeing Dad again some day.
Marie Mazzula says:

17 Aug 2021

Mr Sullivan who is the only Dad I ever had is an amazing man. He has been a blessing to many many young people and adults over the 47 years I have been a part of the Sullivan family. Many awesome fun memories I will cherish. I look forward to the day I will see him again.
.
Donna Zundell says:

16 Aug 2021

My Uncle Ed was a kind and loving soul. He went out of his way to help anyone in need whether it be family, friend or a stranger. His love was unconditional his laugh and smile memorable.
It was my good fortune to have him as my Uncle. He and my Aunt Helen took me and my sister into their family at a difficult time and showered us with their love. I will miss him dearly but will be comforted by so many wonderful memories of him. I will remember his laugh his smile the twinkle in his eye, his hugs, his awesome sense of style and of course his hair! Rest in peace Uncle Ed. You are so loved.
Steve LaBossiere says:

16 Aug 2021

Rest peacefully Uncle Eddie. You were truly one of a kind. I will never forget your beautiful smile and laugh. Although us”kids” are now approaching 60, it feels like only yesterday we were playing football and hiding in the station wagon so we could sneak into the drive in. I will love you forever and my heart is so sad.