Marlton residents Don and Ann Sullivan have been married for 54 years. They have four children and 16 grandchildren.
The following was submitted by resident Don Sullivan in response to The Sun’s request for ‘Sweetheart Stories’ for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday. Story and photo submissions can be sent to news@marltonsun.com.
I remember it, quite clearly, for an event that happened so long ago. I was 12. My father had died several ears earlier and my mother was working in New York City where she met and married my stepfather.
Then began my adventure.
We moved from our Brooklyn apartment to a single home on the Main Line in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., where I was enrolled in a local Catholic grammar school, St. Matthias.
My future wife, Ann, also a resident of Bala Cynwyd, had left St. Matthias at the end of seventh grade. We should have never met. Then, fate played its hand.
Ann had a 13th birthday party coming up and decided to invite several of her former classmates from her old school.
One of the invited girls suggested she include the new boy (me) to the party, and the rest is history.
Ann’s parents, both of English descent, were initially wary of the young Irish suitor, but after a long and dedicated campaign, I was successful in winning them over.
Ann and I were married at 21 years of age and have remained so for the last 54 years.
We have travelled extensively, with our all-time favorite, a Mediterranean Sea cruise.
Ann and I currently reside in Marlton and have four children and 16 grandchildren.
Don Sullivan
