

It is with profound sorrow and deep respect that we announce the passing of Charles F.P. Sullivan on the 28th of February 2025 in Lexington, South Carolina. Charles was born on July 17th, 1939 in Woburn, Massachusetts. He was a proud United States Marine and Law Enforcement officer and dedicated his life to serving our nation with honor, courage, and commitment.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a reserve soldier in 1956 and fully enlisted in 1959 served with distinction throughout his career. During his service, he served Aboard USS Providence (CLG-6) during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. He served his community at home by being a police officer in Oakland, California from 1966-1971. In 1971, he began a thirty-year career with the federal government, where he traveled the world. Charlie showed great respect and compassion for the citizens he vowed to protect and serve and retired in 1996. From there, he became a professor of Criminology at Northern Virginia Community College from 1997 to 2004. In 2004, he and Helen moved to Lexington, South Carolina to be closer to his grandchildren. Beyond his Military and Law Enforcement accomplishments, Charles loved being a member of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs and the Marine Corps League of South Carolina. He had a deep love for family, community involvement, and a passion for helping fellow veterans in his community.
Charles is survived by his loving wife, Helen, of 62 years; his eldest sister, MaryAnne D’Amico; younger brother, John (Jack) Sullivan and wife, Marie; youngest sister, Martha Craig and partner, Bill; brother-in-law, Albion Bergstrom and wife, Angela; his eldest daughter, Deborah and her husband, Jerry; his youngest daughter, Beth and her husband, Dean; his grandchildren, Emily, Casey, Allie, and Marley; and his many loving nieces and nephews. The love and support of his family and friends was a cornerstone of his life, and his memory will continue to live on in their hearts.
Charles’s steadfast service and courageous spirit have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. As we mourn the loss of a dedicated Marine and Law Enforcement, we also celebrate a life well-lived—one that exemplified honor, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to duty. May Charles rest in peace and may the memory of his service continue to inspire us all.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at 10:00 am at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Charles’s honor to the charity of your choice or the Military Order of the Devil Dogs USA as a charity dedicated to helping veterans reintegrate back into the community. Checks can be made out to: H.E. Speedy Wilson, Detachment #1141; Send to: Pay Master W.M ‘Butch’ Jacobs, 209 Clubhouse Drive, West Columbia, SC 29172.
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