Edward T. Sullivan, of Milton and Oyster Harbors, died June 19 at his home in Milton.
He was a proud Double Eagle – a graduate of Boston College High School and a member of the Boston College Class of 1935.
Mr. Sullivan taught Latin and Greek at BC High before becoming a teacher in the Boston school system. He was principal of the Thomas N. Hart School in South Boston.
Following his early teaching career, he was appointed first deputy secretary of the commonwealth by Kevin H. White and served in that capacity during White’s tenure as secretary from 1960 to 1967.
In 1968, Mr. Sullivan was appointed vice mayor of the city of Boston, a position that he held for 16 years throughout the administration of Mayor White. In his capacity as vice mayor, Mr. Sullivan responsibly handled the many complicated fiscal affairs of the city with recognized efficiency and expertise. He was not only known for his great intellect and administrative talents, but also recognized for his unique and ever-present sense of humor, both publicly and privately. His very dry style of humor endeared him to his friends, colleagues in government and municipal employees at City Hall.
He was a member of the Milton Hoosic Club, the Beach Club in Osterville and the Massachusetts Historical Society. Throughout his life he was deeply concerned with education and school reform.
Husband of Annie (McCrea) Sullivan and the
late Eleanor F. (McEleney) Sullivan, he is also survived by his children, Nancy Donnelly, Jane Sullivan
and Edward T. Sullivan Jr., all of Boston; his grandchildren, Rourke Donnelly and Hugh Donnelly; and three great-grandchildren. He was the stepfather of Michael Falvey, Christopher Falvey, Meredith Falvey and Tim Falvey.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St. Gregory Church, Dorchester, on June 23. Burial was in Milton Cemetery.
Donations may be made to St. Gregory Church, 2215 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02124.
Arrangements were by the Dolan Funeral Home.