Edward Sullivan, 86, clerk of courts, Cambridge icon

Edward J. Sullivan, who spent nearly 50 years as clerk of the courts for Middlesex County and was the state's longest-serving elected official when he retired, died of a lung infection Tuesday at Youville Hospital in Cambridge, friends and family said. He was 86.

Mr. Sullivan, who retired in January after eight six-year terms, had previously served five terms on the Cambridge City Council. As part of a dynasty that had a hand in Cambridge politics for much of the 20th century, he was one of four Sullivans to hold a council seat more than 70 consecutive years.

In 2001, the Legislature named the East Cambridge Courthouse where he worked after Mr. Sullivan.

His nephew, Michael A. Sullivan, who now sits on the Cambridge City Council, replaced his uncle as clerk this year.

"He never forgot where he came from and the role government played in people's lives," said his nephew, who now holds both positions because of a quirk in the state constitution. "Government had to have heart, and he had heart. He did a lot with his office and always took the time to take it to another level. He moved justice forward."

Born in Cambridge, Mr. Sullivan attended local public schools before serving in the US Navy in the South Pacific during World War II.

Upon returning, he went to work for his father's company, M.A. Sullivan Trucking, friends and family said. He also became co-owner of the Sullivan-Twomey Insurance Agency in Cambridge.

Mr. Sullivan entered politics, succeeding his late father, Michael "Mickey the Dude" Sullivan, on the Cambridge City Council in 1949. He served as mayor between 1956 and 1957.

In 1952, he ran for the clerk's post against a Republican, but he lost. Six years later, he ran again and won. He never lost another race for the seat.

"Throughout his professional and political career, Edward Sullivan carried the Sullivan name and mantra of integrity, honesty, and commitment to public service," Joe Connarton, a longtime friend and former Cambridge city clerk, said in a statement. "His motto has always been 'my door is always open.' "

During his tenure, Mr. Sullivan reorganized and professionalized the office, introduced one of the first computerization systems in the state, and established the one-day-one-case jury system (which meant that jurors would not serve on more than one trial at a time). He also helped increase the demographic diversity of the jury pool and the court staff.

By the end of his career, he oversaw a staff of 46 employees who managed more than 10,000 civil and criminal cases each year at superior courts in Cambridge and Lowell.

Through photos and memorabilia, Mr. Sullivan's office walls captured his role in Cambridge politics. In one photo, he appeared with his brother, Walter, a Cambridge councilor for 34 years, and President John F. Kennedy. In another, he stood beside President Lyndon B. Johnson at a 1964 campaign rally. He was close to Cambridge political legend Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr.

In an interview last year with the Globe, Mr. Sullivan spoke about how he used his office to help people solve their problems. "Many people think it's a crime to do a favor. In my opinion, if no one's getting hurt, what's wrong with doing someone a favor if you can help them out?"

Reached at the family's home in Cambridge Tuesday night, his wife described him as "a wonderful man who was generous, respectful of others, and always took care of the underdog."

"There was only one Edward, and he was the best husband in the world," she said.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Sullivan leaves two brothers, William and Walter, both of Cambridge, and two sisters, Katherine Lynch of Arlington and Jean Savery of South Weymouth.

Mr. Sullivan's body will lie in state in Cambridge City Hall from 3 to 7 p.m. tomorrow. A funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Peter Church in Cambridge. He will be buried at the Cambridge Cemetery.