George L. Sullivan, Sr., 68, of Framingham, passed away at his home Saturday surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Framingham, was the son of the late Richard and Edith (Nolan) Sullivan. He resided in Ashland, attending Ashland schools until the age of 17 when he left to join the U.S. Navy. While on leave from boot camp in May of 1955, he met his future wife, Shirley I. Murphy. They were later married in November, 1957. Upon leaving the Navy in January 1958, he was employed at the Chemical Manufacturing Company of Ashland. He also worked for Framingham Landscape Company and Cedar Lawn Tree Service before becoming employed full time at the General Motors Framingham Plant in January, 1964. After over twenty-six years of service, he retired in 1990 when the Framingham Plant officially closed. He remained a member of the United Auto Workers Union, Local 422. Mr. Sullivan was a member of the Army National Guard, the former 26th S&T Battalion of Framingham, retiring at the age of 60 after 22 years of service. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Framingham, and the American Legion, James O. Carey Post 77, Ashland. An avid sportsman, he especially loved hunting and fishing, pursuing both interests locally as well as out of state. He loved gardening, comparing notes and results with other gardeners, and sharing his crop with others. He was a die-hard Oakland Raiders fan. He will especially be missed by his wife Shirley (Murphy); his five children: Barry and his wife Cheryl of Putnam, CT; Michael of Honolulu, HI; Laurel Laux and her husband, Cass, of Mt. Carmel, MD; Jane Putnam; and George L., Jr. (Chip), both of Framingham. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Ryan Sullivan in the U.S. Navy; Ian and Tessa Sullivan of Columbia, MD; Nathaniel Manzoli of the U.S. Air Force; Taylor Manzoli of Columbia, MD; Brianna Putnam, Kayleigh Shaw and Cassidy Sullivan, all of Framingham. He is survived also by one brother, J. Daniel Sullivan and his wife Susan of Morton, PA, and one sister, Maureen York and her husband, Richard of Woonsocket, RI, plus many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Richard Sullivan, Jr. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 22, from 5-8 p.m. at the Matarese Funeral Home and Chapel, 325 Main Street, Ashland, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 23, at 9 a.m., Saint Cecilia's Church, Esty Street, Ashland, MA. Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Metrowest Hospice, 85 Lincoln Street, Framingham, MA, 01702.