Edward Joseph Sullivan Jr.

Commander Edward Joseph Sullivan, Jr., USN (Ret.), took his last flight 12 June 2024. He was 80 years young. “Ed” was born and raised in Woburn, MA on 23 December 1943. In August 1963, Ed reported to the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Bainbridge, MD, and then proudly graduated from the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in June 1968. After graduation, Ed attended flight training earning his wings in October 1969. He felt honored and fortunate to have orders to VAL- 4, a unique squadron (Black Ponies) flying OV-10s. He was stationed in Vietnam while supporting the Riverine Forces and SEALs in the Mekong Delta. Ed flew more than 360 combat missions to provide close air support and overhead cover. After Vietnam, Ed was assigned to track Russian submarines during the Cold War flying the P3 Orion Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft, an efficient maritime patrol plane with a range of 5,570 miles. Ed was then assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62), where he served as an air traffic control officer. Ed was also qualified to fly the C-1 cargo plane and logged 80 carrier landings. Ed next reported to the Pentagon, where he oversaw financial aid to U.S. allies, specifically Turkey and Germany, and reviewed their contracts with American companies. His last USN tour took Ed back to New England as the FAA and NATO Navy representative for the East Coast. After this tour, Ed was honorably retired, after proudly serving 27 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy. Always wanting to be connected to his USNA class and the Navy, Ed became the Class Vice President for the East Coast. He spearheaded a unique program called ‘Another Link in the Chain’ which connects classes 50 years apart. Ed organized many events with the Class of 2018 and became an honorary member following their graduation. After moving to Maryland's Eastern Shore, he served as President of the local Council of the Navy League in Easton, Maryland. Ed had an avid interest in golf, both loving it and hating it, all at the same time, and played until he could play no more. Ed is survived, and will be deeply missed, by his loving wife Kathleen Buckel Sullivan, married in 2011; his children, daughters Julianne Sullivan and Meghan Sullivan, son Eddie Sullivan, and step-daughter Lisa Brooks. He was affectionately referred to as “Big Dad” by his grandchildren Zach Higgins, Noah Sullivan and step-grandchild Mickey Stewart. Ed is also survived by his brother Charlie Sullivan (Aurie), and sisters Mary van Deventer (Hans) and Joanne Owen (Clark); sister-in-law, Debi Wells Hooper (Bob); as well as many nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased by his father, Edward Joseph Sullivan, Sr; mother, Patricia Hardy Sullivan; brother, Michael Sullivan; and granddaughter Erin Sullivan. Memorial contributions may be made to Talbot County Hospice, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601-3805 or USNA Foundation, 274 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402, (online at www.usna.com/give – please note: Alumni Center, Class of 1968). A full military service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. A private celebration of life was held with family and close friends. Go Navy, BEAT ARMY!

Edward Joseph Sullivan Jr.

December 23, 1943 - June 12, 2024