Obituary of Charles A Sullivan

Charles A. Sullivan, a 22-year veteran of the United States Navy, passed away at the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center on Monday, January 6, 2019. Charlie was 94 years old. Charlie was born and raised in Arlington. He was the youngest of four children born to the late Timothy and Mary Sullivan. At the age of 17 Charlie left school to serve his country in the United States Navy. Charlie’s first tour started during World War II in 1943. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Camp Ribbon with 2/stars. He decided to make a career for himself in the Navy and stayed with the Navy until March 23, 1964. During the Korean War he was the recipient of the National Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. At the end of his career Charlie was stationed at the United States Naval Base in South Weymouth for many years which was perfect for Charlie, as he did not have to uproot his family from Woburn. Charlie married his wife Dorothy on October 21, 1950. They moved to Woburn in 1952. Charlie and Dorothy loved animals. They owned a stable in Lynnfield where they had 21 horses. Their children didn’t have to visit the zoo because their home was always filled with animals. They had rabbits, parakeets, dogs, cats, parrots, you name the animal and it was a safe bet that Charlie and Dorothy had one in the family of pets at sometime during their lives. They had a special affection for Great Dane’s. Throughout their later lives there was always a Great Dane in their life. After leaving the Navy he worked for Brockway Smith in Wilmington, which was a distributor of windows. After retiring from Brockway he went to work as the PX at Hanscom Airforce Base for over 25 years bagging groceries. He loved his job at the Base and the interaction with his customers and co-workers. Charlie was still working at the base at the age of 94 and carrying bags to his customers cars. Charlie had a wonderful relationship with his two children. His daughter Donna was a gifted athlete and he never missed any of her games. He loved visiting his son Chuck at his home in Narragansett and spending the day on Chuck’s boat. He enjoyed taking trips with his two grandsons; Matthew & David. Some of their trips included Story Land, Cape Canaveral, Disney, Maryland and New York City. He was an avid sports fan with the Red Sox being his favorite team. Charlie’s faith was an important part of his life and a longtime member of St. Barbara’s in Woburn where he was an usher. Charlie will be remembered as a man who worked hard to provide for his family and loved the simple things in life. Charlie was the beloved husband for 69 years to Dorothy Ethel (Hager). Loving father of Chuck & his wife Gail of Narragansett, RI and Donna Marie Elliott & her husband Richard F. Jr. of Bedford. Proud grandfather of Matthew & David Sullivan. Brother of the late Rita Bourdon, Edward Sullivan and Edna Carroll. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Monday, January 13 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Charlie’s name may be made to St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Road, Woburn, MA 01801