Spencer H. Sullivan

1960 - 2022

Spencer H. Sullivan obituary, 1960-2022, Laguna Hills, CA

Spencer H. Sullivan

1960 - 2022

Spencer Sullivan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 20, 2022.
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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Spencer Sullivan's Guest Book

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June 6, 2024

Tina Levitan-Vinas posted to the memorial.

December 28, 2023

Alex Masi posted to the memorial.

October 5, 2023

Alex Masi posted to the memorial.

Tina Levitan-Vinas

June 6, 2024

I worked with Spencer in the 80´s. I was an ICU nurse and signed up
with his nurses registry. I always liked Spencer and his happy, kind and quirky demeanor. He was a real professional ahead of his time but more importantly he was a good human. My condolences to the family. What a great loss. RIP Spence- shine on you crazy diamond.

Alex Masi

December 28, 2023

Hoping all the Sullivan's are well and that you have had a Merry Christmas and will start a healthy, joyful and prosperous New Year. Spence remains always in my thoughts... Hard to believe, still, that he is no longer in this world.. Love you Spence --
Alex

Alex Masi

October 5, 2023

wow, Spence.... you came to visit in my dreams twice this week. How are you?.. Missing you always. Miss you so much sometimes... Alex

robert calabrese

October 26, 2022

rest in peace, roomie! spencer and i shared 3008 w. oceanfront walk when he was working at hogue hospital. when i heard about his post-surgery incident- it really broke my heart. i've been hoping and praying he would somehow get some of his life back during the last twenty years. thank you carol for taking care of your son- you and bill are what his life became and you guys must have been a Godsend to him. we had some great times on the beach with his friends (and our housemates) laurie and jill- hi laurie and jill! i will love you forever and hope you rest in peace, my brother!

Alex Masi

October 20, 2022

Spence.. you will never ever be forgotten. You are on special heck of a man. Your smile and your care for others touched us all that we´re lucky to have known you. So many memories... Rest In Peace dear Spence - Alex

Laurie Riney

September 26, 2022

It is with great sadness that I send my sincere condolences to the Sullivan family. I worked with Spencer at several local hospitals over the years. Spencer was alway smiling and cheerful. He truly cared about his patients and it showed in his care. The last time that I saw Spencer he told me about his upcoming surgery and he said that he had spent a lot of time researching the best surgeon. I was shocked and saddened when I heard about his post op care. Spencer was a wonderful nurse and will be greatly missed.

Kerry Van Duzer

September 21, 2022

Respect and sympathy to all the family. I was Blessed to have worked with Spencer at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach for several years. I later worked for SHC and was extremely proud to be a part of such a stellar organization. We had remained close friends until I left to the Orange County area. Shane, I remember you well. I thank you all for the care and love you provided such a fabulous gentleman! He was a great nurse and taught all of us along the way. May you find some peace in knowing that he is with God and free from pain and suffering. My prayer for all of you is that fond memories replace the pain and sorrow that now rests in your hearts. A well respected, talented man will be missed and never forgotten Thank you all for the love and care.

Sue Morrison

September 21, 2022

I worked for Spencer from the time he first started his company. We worked together for at least 10 years- I still remember going out to do nursing evaluations for his company! He was so fun and charming and was an awesome nurse. I still remember when Shane starting working with him and what a great team they made. I was so sorry to read of his passing. All of my best and may he rest in peace. Sue Morrison RN, MSN

Allison French

September 21, 2022

Spencer and Bill visiting our office was always an event filled with commentary and off colored humor, which we looked forward to. Spence was a special human and will be missed dearly but remembered with great honor and respect.

Debbie Fitzpatrick

September 20, 2022

Spencer, Always brought a smile to my face. A giggle to my heart. He was an exceptional person! Truly a gifted person! An awesome nurse and cohort, for finding fun trouble and practical jokes on our team at the hospital.

Florette Delaby-krugman

September 20, 2022

Spencer was a Smart, Caring, loving person & Nurse. I always remember his smile & sense of humor.We worked together at FVRH, he took care of my Mother in ER. His expertise & compassion are beyond words. I was also, employed by his agency "SHC" for while.

Gloria Hausen

September 20, 2022

Spencer was an awesome individual who took pride and expertise in any clinical situation which made him stand out as a nurse❤ May he Rest In Peace for his job well done
Love to the family

Robin MacDonald

September 20, 2022

I am so saddened to learn not only of Spence´s passing but of his health situation. I worked for Spence at SHC, holding various positions in the admin portion of the business. We didn´t always see eye to eye, but he had my utmost respect. I worked hard to uphold his ideals of which there were many. I drive by the MacArthur St. location often, and have always wondered where Spence and Shane were in life, smiling to myself that those Irish boys were probably living their best lives. If only I had known. You were a class act, Spence, and you will always hold a special place in my heart.

Lance

September 20, 2022

Worked with Spencer at SHC in the 90's . Great times. Thanks for that opportunity.Such a good guy with his brother,
Shane. Rest easy, Spence. Much love to Shane and the family

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June 6, 2024

Tina Levitan-Vinas posted to the memorial.

December 28, 2023

Alex Masi posted to the memorial.

October 5, 2023

Alex Masi posted to the memorial.