Edward C. Sullivan

Edward C. Sullivan, 89, a longtime resident of Bridgewater, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, in Morristown, New Jersey.

Born on December 31, 1936, in Keene, New Hampshire, Ed pursued an exceptional education, graduating from Brown University and earning advanced degrees from Harvard University and Rutgers University. At Brown (Class of 1958), he excelled as a distance runner in track and field and cross country, earning induction into the Brown University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1978. A two-time team captain, he captured multiple Heptagonal championships and set records, including winning the Heptagonal Cross Country Championship as a senior despite a late-race ankle injury.

One story from his college days best captures the essence of the man he became: During a key cross country meet, while leading the field, Ed noticed a teammate falling behind and losing pace. Without hesitation, he turned around mid-race to encourage and support his struggling teammate, helping him regain rhythm and pace. This selfless act rallied the team to victory—no better embodiment of his lifelong commitment to kindness, teamwork, and putting others before personal glory.

Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for two years. He then spent nearly a decade teaching higher-level mathematics to military personnel at bases in Spain, Italy, and Germany, sharing his passion for education and precision across Europe. He later embarked on a distinguished career in software engineering, spending much of his professional life working with IBM and major telecommunications companies, including Bell Labs and Telecordia, contributing to innovative advancements in his field.

An avid birdwatcher since the age of 12, Ed held a special affection for the American Kestrel, which symbolized his lifelong passion for ornithology. After retiring, he dedicated decades to graciously volunteering with the New Jersey Audubon Society, where he was deeply cherished by fellow members and staff for his kind, gentle nature and unwavering generosity.

Predeceased by his parents and brothers, Edward is survived by his sisters-in-law, BJ Sullivan and Marcy Sullivan; his nephew, Michael Sullivan; and his nieces, Marnie Renda, Katherine Saunders, and Morgen Collis.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Edward's memory to the New Jersey Audubon Society (njaudubon.org/donate or their tribute donation page at njaudubon.org/tribute-donation), an organization close to his heart that continues his legacy of protecting birds and habitats.

A celebration of Ed's life is planned for the spring; details will be announced soon. Ed's quiet strength, intellectual curiosity, gentle spirit, and selflessness touched many lives. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.