The death of Charles M. Sullivan yesterday saddened Bangor and left it without one of its leading citizens, a man who for a quarter century gave so much of his time, expertise, humor and good sense to the city. His civic and academic contributions will be remembered and appreciated for many years to come.

Along with his wife, Mary, Mr. Sullivan helped guide Bangor politically through his work on the City Council. With Mrs. Sullivan, a former mayor, in the Legislature, he served Bangor as mayor in 1994 and 1995. Before that, he spent 11 years on the city’s school committee, serving both as chairman and vice chairman. He was continuing his service to the city through the council when he died of liver disease. Though he was perhaps best-known for his work it politics, Mr. Sullivan spent most of his working life as an educator, which was what drew him to Bangor 25 years ago.

He joined Husson College in 1972 to help it gain accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition to his tenure as Husson’s academic vice president and dean from 1972 to 1976, he taught labor relations, law, statistics and economics. Despite his illness, he had hoped to rejoin fellow faculty members and teach again starting in January.

As well known as Mr. Sullivan was on his own, however, it was with Mrs. Sullivan — as an energetic team — that he is likely to be best remembered. The two complemented each other perfectly, contributing to the city not only their understanding and compassion for the public, but a warmth sprung from their long and successful marriage.

Local government service is hardly a glamorous occupation; Mr. Sullivan elevated it through his dignity and charm and left Bangor a better city in the process.