
I Love My Community: Ed Sullivan
Ed Sullivan, a retired state employee who is currently working at Saint Mary’s High School as front desk receptionist, recently sat down with HERLIFE Magazine to discuss his family, involvement in the community and dreams for the future.
HLM: What do you love most about where you and your family live?
ES: I have lived here for 48 years. I moved to Stockton from San Francisco when I was getting married and I bought my first home. It took a few years to adjust to the hot weather but I love living in Stockton. I am about two hours from places like Tahoe, the Foothills, Sonoma, Sacramento, to name a few. Stockton also has wineries just up the road in Lodi.
HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
ES: Giving back to the community is my work at Saint Mary’s High School, Hospice of San Joaquin, Presentation Church and working events with Visit Stockton. My children attended and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. What a great community they have and working with the students and staff is a great way to give back to the community. Volunteering with Hospice of San Joaquin is another way I give back. My mom was in hospice in San Francisco and what a great organization hospice is.
HLM: What sparks joy for you?
ES: Seeing that you can make a difference in someone’s life and treating people the way I would want to be treated. I would not change my life. I have been blessed with a very nice life and two beautiful children that I am very proud of. Being a parent is such a rewarding experience and to see them grow up and be successful, I can say I have done my job as a parent. My family and friends bring joy to my life. I enjoy simple things that life can offer me and enjoy family time.
HLM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
ES: Being a good parent and role model for my girls. Being a good brother to my sister and brothers and other family members. I had a good life that I would not change, even the hard time. I think being a good son growing up with my parents and then being a good parent for my children or a role model to another person (adult or child) is awesome. I had a great job working with the state of California until I retired in December 2018 and now working at St. Mary’s is a great accomplishment for me.
HLM: What’s your free time passion?
ES: Outside of work, I spend my time with family and friends. I enjoy my trips to Texas to see my daughter Sarah and her husband, Jon, and granddaughter Chloe. I enjoy my time with them and the places they take me when I visit. I spend a lot of time at my place in Sonora. I had this place for years and it is close enough to get away for weekends and summer, close to Twain Harte. My other daughter and future son-in-law live in the area so I see them more. I enjoy a hike, a good run and relaxing.
HLM: Top three bucket list goals?
ES: Travel-take a trip to Ireland; see my grandchildren graduate from high school and college; good health and live a long, active life.
HLM: Can you describe a key event that had an impact on your life?
ES: You have so many events that impact your life in so many ways that play a factor in your whole life. Growing up can be challenging but some key events are promotion from 8th grade, graduation from high school, college life, getting married, going out to find a job, general life experiences, being a parent and watching your children grow up (time moves so fast). My whole life has been a great learning experience for me, which I cherish in memories and would not change.
HLM: Do you have a favorite quote?
ES: Treat people the way I would want to be treated; don’t judge a book by its cover.
HLM: What are you currently reading?
ES: Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson.
HLM: Favorite food or dessert?
ES: Any type of ice cream, See’s Candy rum nuggets, Twix bars, Diet Coke, Mexican food, Chinese food and of course corn beef and cabbage. A good salad is aways good. I am not a fussy eater so I will try anything.