In Memory of Charles Edmond Sullivan

Loving husband, father, teacher, guidance counselor, classic car enthusiast.

Charles Edmund Sullivan, 81, died peacefully from natural causes at his home in Claremont on March 28. Memorial services will be held at a date yet to be determined. 

Chuck was born in Boston to Nell and Edmund Sullivan on December 30, 1938. He moved to Inglewood, California in 1951. He graduated from George Washington High School in Los Angeles. 

In 1960, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University, followed by a masters in 1962.

In January 1964 he met Ruth. They were engaged shortly thereafter and married in June. 

The newlyweds moved to Claremont in 1965, taking up residence on Occidental Drive, where they remained for 37 years. The couple joyfully welcomed their sons David and Darren in 1967 and 1968, respectively.

In 2002, they relocated to a historic Craftsman-Victorian in the Village, where they enjoyed taking care of their home, spending time in the garden, and developing a strong community with their neighbors. 

Mr. Sullivan worked as a sixth grade teacher in West Covina, Pomona and Claremont before becoming a guidance counselor at El Roble Intermediate School. He retired in 2000. 

A loving and patient father throughout their lives, David and Darren are grateful for his constant love and support, they said. Together they played many enthusiastic games of ping pong, pool, basketball and enjoyed swimming in the backyard pool and the ocean. The family spent many summers camping and travelling across the country. 

In 1972, the Sullivans organized a Bible study group with other couples that is still active today. These friendships have been a source of support and fellowship for over 48 years. They raised their families and enjoyed many vacations together.

In 1985, Mr. Sullivan purchased his beloved red 1966 Mustang convertible, which has been a fixture in the community and at the annual Fourth of July parade for many years. He and his son Darren share a passion for classic cars and spent many wonderful moments together over the last several years restoring a 1978 Fiat Spider. 

He and his son David enjoyed many lively discussions about politics and religion and always enjoyed spending quality time together. 

Throughout his life, Mr. Sullivan enjoyed playing racquetball and golf with friends. In his younger years, his summers were filled with slow pitch baseball.

The Sullivans are members of Claremont United Church of Christ. 

He is survived by his wife Ruth and his sons David (Lisa) and Darren (Simon). 

“The family of Charles Sullivan wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Spier at Kaiser Ontario and MJ at Prestigious Hospice for their help in getting Chuck home to be with his family for their final loving farewell, after a two-week hospital stay,” they related. 

Donate

In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to Crossroads, Inc. at crossroadswomen.org, or by check to 250 W. First St., Suite 254, Claremont, CA 91711.

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Great is Thy Failfulness
in honour of Chuck Sullivan

Performed by Case Keough

 

Memorial Slideshow

 

John 13: 34-35

Love each other just as I have loved you. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples 

Galatians 5:22-23 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Corinthians 13

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

When I’m Gone – Lyman Hancock

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile 
Forget unkind words I have spoken
Remember some good I have done
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had loads of fun 
Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day 
Then forget to grieve for my going
I would not have you sad for a day
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay 
And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best

 

A few images from the Gallery