Edward Joseph Sullivan

Edward Joseph Sullivan was two weeks shy of his 91st birthday at the time of his death. He left the earth to go home, on March 5, 2015. At time of his passing, he resided in Longwood, Florida. He died of natural causes.

Ed, as he was known, was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 19, 1924, the youngest of five siblings born to John L. Sullivan and Margaret Rogan Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his brothers Lawrence, John, and Joseph, as well as his sister Mary.

Edward graduated from Westinghouse High School in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a gifted athlete lettering and receiving state-wide honors in football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball. In 1943, he joined the United States Army and fought in the European theater, under the leadership of General Patton, serving with distinction. Ed and two fellow soldiers were given credit for the first official kill of a V-2 rocket. In passing the story on to his grandchildren he called it “the biggest firework effect you would ever see.” He was a decorated war veteran receiving the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

After the war, he returned to his home town where he attended the University of Pittsburgh. He later transferred to the University of Miami, Florida where he played football and graduated with a degree in Education. It was while attending the University of Miami he met Josephine Wilburn who was to become the love of his life, faithful friend, and companion for the next 66 years. Ed and Jo, as they were known, were married on August 2, 1948 in Coral Gables, Florida at the Church of the Little Flower Catholic Church. After their honeymoon in Havana, Cuba, the couple returned to Miami where they began their life together.

Ed also started his lengthy career as a teacher and coach. He was a true lover of his profession and the youth he influenced. He taught and coached at St. Peter and Paul Catholic School, St. Mary's Catholic School, Archbishop Curley High School, but most of his career was spent at North Miami Senior High School. He taught history and coached various sports, but most of his energies were spent with the varsity football and track teams. During his tenure as track coach, he won a State of Florida Championship. He subsequently became Head Coach of the football team and finished his career as Athletic Director.

All through his career he had a significant and positive influence upon the youth who were fortunate to cross his path. As testament to his impact on the lives that he touched, on his 90th birthday, he received over 250 cards and well-wishes from former students and athletes. They were filled with sentiments such as, "You positively changed my life" and "I wouldn't be who I am today without your influence".

After his retirement in 1986, Ed & Jo moved to Highlands, NC. In Highlands he remained an active member in the community. He worked at the Highlands Country Club as a starter and ranger. Subsequently, he spent years at the Highlands Community Center serving in a variety of capacities. He and Jo were also active members at the church of Our Lady of the Mountains.

Ed and Jo loved each other's company, and one of their favorite activities was to take long rides in the country, and essentially they continued that activity until Josephine's passing just 4 short months ago.

Edward is survived by his children , Michael A. Sullivan, his spouse Colleen, Lawrence J. Sullivan, Patrick E. Sullivan, Peggy Zelenty, her spouse Steven, and Kathleen L. Hall and her spouse Daniel. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Gregory Sullivan, Matthew Sullivan, Steven Zelenty, Dawn Sullivan, Danielle Zelenty, Michael Sullivan, Kevin Sullivan, Amy McCartney, John Sullivan, Christina Parkinson, Daniel Hall, Patrick Sullivan, Caitlin Zelenty, Thomas Sullivan, and Joseph Hall. He is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be conducted at St. Francis Catholic Church , Apopka, FL on March 16, 2015 at 11:00 AM. A celebration of life will immediately follow the mass. Interment will be in Highland, North Carolina in June 2015, with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project im memory of Mr. Sullivan, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx tsid=1143&ovr_acv_id=1764&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS15018P

A true son of God, a patriot, faithful husband, and loving father has passed to greater glory.