Longtime El Roble guidance counselor, classic car enthusiast, loving father and husband

Charles Edmund Sullivan, 81, died peacefully from natural causes at his home in Claremont on March 28. Memorial services will be held at a date yet to be determined.

Chuck was born in Boston to Nell and Edmund Sullivan on December 30, 1938. He moved to Inglewood, California in 1951. He graduated from George Washington High School in Los Angeles.

In 1960, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University, followed by a master’s in 1962.

In January 1964 he met Ruth. They were engaged shortly thereafter and married in June.

The newlyweds moved to Claremont in 1965, taking up residence on Occidental Drive, where they remained for 37 years. The couple joyfully welcomed their sons David and Darren in 1967 and 1968, respectively.

In 2002, they relocated to a historic Craftsman-Victorian in the Village, where they enjoyed taking care of their home, spending time in the garden, and developing a strong community with their neighbors.

Mr. Sullivan worked as a sixth grade teacher in West Covina, Pomona and Claremont before becoming a guidance counselor at El Roble Intermediate School. He retired in 2000.

A loving and patient father throughout their lives, David and Darren are grateful for his constant love and support, they said. Together they played many enthusiastic games of ping pong, pool, basketball and enjoyed swimming in the backyard pool and the ocean. The family spent many summers camping and travelling across the country.

In 1972, the Sullivans organized a Bible study group with other couples that is still active today. These friendships have been a source of support and fellowship for more than 48 years. They raised their families and enjoyed many vacations together.

In 1985, Mr. Sullivan purchased his beloved red 1966 Mustang convertible, which has been a fixture in the community and at the annual Fourth of July parade for many years. He and his son Darren shared a passion for classic cars, and spent many wonderful moments together over the last several years restoring a 1978 Fiat Spider.

He and his son David enjoyed many lively discussions about politics and religion and always enjoyed spending quality time together.

Throughout his life, Mr. Sullivan enjoyed playing racquetball and golf with friends. In his younger years, his summers were filled with slow pitch baseball.

The Sullivans are members of Claremont United Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife Ruth and his sons David (Lisa) and Darren (Simon).

“The family of Charles Sullivan wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Spier at Kaiser Ontario and MJ at Prestigious Hospice for their help in getting Chuck home to be with his family for their final loving farewell, after a two-week hospital stay,” they related.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Crossroads, Inc. at crossroadswomen.org, or by check to 250 W. First St., Suite 254, Claremont, CA 91711.