Spencer H. Sullivan

August 5, 1960 - September 12, 2022

Spencer, formerly of Utica, NY passed away at home in Laguna Hills, CA, on September 12, 2022, surrounded by family members. Spencer, born on August 5, 1960, in Utica, NY, was the third of four children of Bill and Carol Sullivan. Spencer attended Utica Schools; graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1978, subsequently graduated from Alfred University in 1982 with a BSN degree. After passing his nursing boards, Spencer moved to Huntington Beach, CA, where he worked as a staff nurse at various hospitals in the area.

Spencer's commitment to lifelong learning was evidenced by his receipt of an MBA from Pepperdine University in the mid 90's. During Spencer's time as a staff nurse, he formed Sullivan Health Care "SHC", one of the first Nursing Registries in Orange County CA. At its peak, SHC, was a multimillion-dollar enterprise employing over 650 contract nurses and administrative staff. SHC became the standard for contract professional health care services throughout Orange County. Spencer and his organization flourished during the 1990's. As a leader, Spencer continued to take staffing assignments, which not only kept his credentials current but also honed his service offerings to his customer base. SHC's competitive advantage was attention to service details and the values that were instilled by its founder. Spencer sold and re-acquired the business SHC at the end of 2000. Prior to his re-launch of the business, after numerous conservative, less invasive attempts to correct a cervical issue, Spencer elected to have corrective surgery. The corrective surgery in December of 2001 did not end well leaving Spencer a quadriplegic caused by anoxic brain injury. Immediately after the surgery, Spencer's parents moved to California to care for their son. Spencer's parents, along with his younger brother Shane were instrumental in Spencer's care during the past 20+ years. The quality of care provided by family, caregivers and outside health care providers amazingly enabled his injury not to erase memories of what he loved most: friends and family. Spencer made friends for life through his schooling, career and interest in travel.

Spencer will be forever remembered as a kind, giving, principled, inspiration to his family, loved ones and friends, he was unselfish yet very true to his heritage, life experiences and always tried to provide empathy, advice, guidance as well as unconditional love. For those that knew him he had an eccentric streak coupled with a "It's my way or the highway" attitude. The entire family and Spencer's closest friends are thankful for the past 2+ decades to still interact and support him. As in his special way the family received more from Spencer than they gave to him. Family was the cornerstone of Spencer's foundation, throughout his life he always grounded his ambitions, aspirations and daily activities.

Spencer is survived by his mother Carol, Laguna Niguel CA; Brothers - Scott (Terrie) Laguna Hills, CA; Steven (Hedy) Kekaha, HI; Shane (Shana) Laguna Beach, CA; Nieces and Nephews: Collin Sullivan Newport Beach, CA; Caitlin Gogoll (Troy), Great Niece - Harlow Gogoll and Great Nephew Haynes Gogoll Annapolis MD. Nephew Colton "Cole" Sullivan Costa Mesa, CA; Niece, Chloe Sullivan Laguna Beach, CA; numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

The family gives thanks to Spencer's lifelong friend Julie Weinfeld for her constant support and love. A heartfelt embrace from the family to Spencer's long time caregiver Javier (Ernie) Tuvera who treated Spencer with dignity, respect and love. During the past 18 months, the family would also like to express thanks to Cynthia Hurtado, who provided additional support, care and comfort to Spencer as they formed a tight bond over Spencer's love for all types of music not withstanding his recurring question "What's for dessert"? The Sullivan family would also like to express thanks to Dr. Edward Smith and Dr. Smith's assistant Allison French for their continued guidance and support over the last 20+ years. Also, a special thanks from the family to Spencer's Lawyer: Dan M. Hodes, of Hodes Milman LLP of Irvine for guidance and experience after Spencer's injury.

Spencer was predeceased by his father William H. Sullivan, Grandparents: Paternal: Glenn B. and Margaret M. Sullivan, Maternal: Harold and Laura Young. There will be no memorial service per Spencer's request. His remains will be interred with his father at St Patrick Cemetery, South Colton, NY.