ROCKLAND — Edward J. “EJ” Sullivan, longtime Rockland resident, passed away on March 14, 2017, at Sussman House in Rockport, following a brief illness.

Born in Bath on Sept. 7, 1921, he reached the great old age of 95 with almost no medical problems and his mind as sharp as a 20-year-old. He was very well loved and admired by all who knew him for his friendliness, sense of humor and willingness to share his experiences and knowledge.

He was the son of Daniel E. and Rosmond Dyer Sullivan. He attended school in Rockland, graduating from Rockland High School in 1940. Following graduation, EJ went to work at Bath Iron Works as a welder until World War II broke out. In 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, reaching the rank of yeoman second class. He was very proud that he was aboard the USS Detroit in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945, during the ceremonies marking Japan's surrender. He was discharged in 1946. He worked at Maine Central Railway and Dragon cement until he was called up in the Navy again for the Korean War from 1951 to 1952. After that he started a long, successful career at B & R trucking, where he was a manager until his retirement.

In 1950 Ed married Nellie Gustin and they had a daughter, Linda, born Jan. 29, 1952. That marriage was dissolved in 1958. Soon after Ed met the love of his life, Ruth Beam. They were married Jan. 30, 1965. They had a wonderful marriage. After Ed retired the couple enjoyed driving all over Maine and New England visiting friends and family and eating out in restaurants. They also traveled to Hawaii 13 times. They were married for 38 years until Ruth passed away Feb. 18, 2003. She was sick for a long time but Ed lovingly cared for her in their home until the end.

After Ruth's death Ed continued to be active, eating lunch in his favorite restaurants several times a week, volunteering at the soup kitchen, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, going to Kiwanis meetings, and even parking cars at Owls Head Transportation Museum events when he was in his 90s. One of his favorite things to do, at least once every summer, was going to the Cabbage Island Clambake out of Boothbay Harbor. He told everyone he knew about it and invited them to join his family and friends on the boat. He made friends wherever he went and kept everyone laughing with his wonderful sense of humor.

He loved sports, especially the Red Sox, and regularly attended local high school sporting events with his sister, Mary. He enjoyed the excitement and interacting with the other attendees. He was very close to Mary. They also used to play dice almost every day at her house until she passed away.

Ed was a communicant of St Bernard's Catholic Church.

Ed was predeceased by his wife, Ruth; his daughter, Linda Sullivan Meserve; his sister, Mary Sullivan; and his two brothers, Arthur "Dick" Sullivan and David A. Sullivan. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and their children, all of whom loved him dearly.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, April 2, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. An hour of visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., with a service to follow at 2 p.m. A gathering with refreshments will be held immediately following. Interment will be in the spring at Coughlin Memorial Cemetery in Rockland

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bernard's Soup Kitchen, c/o St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, 7 Union Street, Camden, ME 04843.