Remembering beloved bakery industry member Charles Sullivan

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Remembering beloved bakery industry member Charles Sullivan

21 Dec 2021

Liz Goodwin

Liz Goodwin is a Texas-born journalist and photographer. Although a Southerner at heart, she fell in love with the Midwest at the University of Missouri where she earned her bachelor's of journalism. When she’s not writing or behind a camera, she loves to cook, find new restaurants, and spend time outside. Her favorite baked goods include croissants and crackers, especially when topped with fig jam and brie.

TOLEDO, OH — Charles “Chuck” A. Sullivan, a longtime leader in the food and drink industry and former president of American Bakeries operations, has died. He was 86 years old.

Sullivan was born in Toledo, Ohio and was a graduate of The University of Toledo’s Business program. He continually donated both scholarships and facilities to his alma mater and to Toledo Central Catholic High School. He served on the University of Toledo Foundation, including a term as chairman, and received an additional honorary degree from the institution.

Sullivan began his career in the financial sector of Price Waterhouse where his skills were quickly recognized, leading to his rapid ascension within the group’s ranks. He was initially promoted to president of Seven-Up in Indiana, and later served as president of Canada Dry New England, a division of Norton Simon, Inc. Additionally, he served a term as president of the United Soft Drink Association.

After great success in the beverage world, Sullivan was recruited into the world of baking. He joined American Bakeries as senior VP and president of its Merita division. Four years later he was made president of all American Bakeries operations.

He continued his professional path through several acquisitions, which lead to his role as CEO and later chairman of Interstate Bakeries Corporation, which he took public. During his tenure at the company, both the Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake brands were listed on the Fortune 500 and became the largest baking company in the US. He also was a member of the American Bakers Association (ABA) and served a term as board chairman.

He is survived by his wife Jacqueline, his brothers and sisters, and his many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his charitable efforts and strong Catholic faith in addition to his passion for helping victims of domestic abuse and his contributions to the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to an organization that helps victims of domestic abuse or Catholic Community Hospice.

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