Edward J. "Ed" Sullivan, Jr.

Edward "Ed" J. Sullivan, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Jan. 23, 2015.
Ed was born on July 23, 1928, in Euclid. He attended Holy Cross.
Ed graduated from Euclid Shore High School and was inducted into the Shore Athletic Hall of Fame. He was all-state in football and track. He forwent a Kent State college football scholarship to join the Marines at age 18. Ed returned home and played football at Kent. He then graduated from John Carroll where he was a standout football player.
Ed married Marilyn A. Vohlers in 1954. They raised a dynamic, fun Irish Catholic family in Timberlake. There was never a dull moment in their lives. Ed enjoyed relaying stories of trapeze swings installed in the family room, alligators accompanying his sons home from college and gridiron battles. Ed was widowed in 1979.
Ed was lucky to have two great loves in his life. He married Charlene Babic House. Along with her three children, many wonderful memories were built. Ed and Char both love nature. They reside in Leroy on the river. There are many acres of gardens and hiking trails lovingly groomed for the enjoyment of their family. The children and grandchildren appreciate the many wonderful memories they have shared.
Known as "Brother" to his friends, he is still remembered as a great inspiration to the many youth he coached. He coached Eastlake Midget football and basketball for many years. He was the St. Justin Martyr CYO track coach. He also coached track and football at Holy Cross in Euclid. He coached football at St. Mary's. Even today, former players still stop Ed's family members to share what a great motivator and coach he was.
Ed was a sports fan. Ed enjoyed cheering on his children and grandchildren in their many endeavors. He rarely missed a game or event even in his later years when moving was difficult. His quiet strength and support was appreciated by family and friends alike. He was also well known as a member of the chain-gang for Lake Catholic football. He loved cheering on his son Mark's St. Ignatius Wildcat wrestling team. St. Ignatius and Perry football were an important part of his life. He was a Buckeye through and through. He respected individuality a large family brings. He provided great love and support for every child and grandchild.
Ed was a devout Catholic. He bravely traveled around the world with his entire family. There were great adventures sometimes followed by injury! Mass was always part of the itinerary. He was a founding member of St. Justin Martyr in Eastlake and current member of St. Cyprian in Perry.
He is survived by his wife, Charlene Sullivan (nee House); loving father to Patty Sullivan-Sommers, Scott (Susan) Sullivan, Mark (Janet) Sullivan , Matthew (Margaret) Sullivan, Michael (Leah) Sullivan, John (Diane) Sullivan; loving step-father to Tracy House, Terry (Valerie) House, Tim (Sarah) House; caring grandfather of Ryan (Kelly), Jennifer (Tim), Greg (Lindsey), Erin (Bryan), Scott, Lindsay, Mark Jr., Kolin, Ashley, Derek, Morgan, Matthew Jr., Michaela, Sarah, Grace, Kyle, Lauren, Bryce, Carter and Seth; great-grandfather of Stella, Jack, Tucker and Cora and Scarlett.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn (nee: Vohlers), and his parents, Edward and Margaret Sullivan, Sr. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mariane Duffin; and brother, Tony Sullivan.
Ed will be truly missed by many.
There is no substitute for the giant turkeys he cooks for his family of 40 at Thanksgiving, the presents under the 20 foot Christmas tree, the hundreds of eggs filled for the annual Sullivan hunt and the Easter hams cooked to perfection with his secret recipe.
Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Grandpa. Thank you, Ed. We will miss you.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, from 12 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. at The Abbey of Willoughby located on the grounds of The McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38011 Euclid Ave., Willoughby.
Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at St. Cyprian Church, 4223 Middle Ridge Rd., Perry. Interment will be at All Souls Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Edward's name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.