James W. Sweeney

James W. Sweeney Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather NASHUA, NH James W. Sweeney, 84, formerly of Lowell and Tewksbury, died on November 5, 2008, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Marian (Roberts) Sweeney who died on Feb. 27, 2005. They had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. James was born in Lowell on January 23, 1924, the son of the late James A. and Agnes (Blanchard) Sweeney. He graduated from the Sacred Heart Grammar School and Lowell High School. He received a Bachelors degree from Lowell Technological Institute and a Masters degree from the Institute of Textile Technology in Charlottesville, VA. After graduating, Mr. Sweeney returned to Lowell to work at the Lowell Technological Institute Research Foundation, and later worked at the R.T. Vanderbilt Company in Norwalk, CT. He retired as Chief Chemist and Plant Manager after 30 years with the Pellon Corporation of Lowell. During WWII, James was a Naval Aviator, and was with the Air Group 94 aboard the USS Lexington during the final months of war. While serving, he received several awards and recognitions among them being the Navy Cross. Mr. Sweeney's service to his country during WWII was very important to him. He kept in contact with his Naval comrades and traveled across the country with his wife attending U.S.S. Lexington Reunions. He was very handy and enjoyed refurbishing homes. He also enjoyed making model ships. At age 81, Mr. Sweeney learned to use a computer and spent hours researching World War II and Naval Ships. Mr. Sweeney loved listening to Irish music and Dean Martin songs. He loved dancing and was a great dancer. Most of all, he was a loving grandfather, and together with his wife Marian, they were the "Worlds Best Grandparents!" He is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Donna (Sweeney) Sullivan and her husband, Michael Sullivan of Lowell, Kathleen (Sweeney) LaBrecque and her husband, Stuart LaBrecque of Pelham, NH; two sisters, Mrs. Catherine Redding of Lowell, and Sister Teresa M. Sweeney O.S.F. of Anapolis-Goias, Brasil; one brother, Dr. Thomas Sweeney of Lowell; and a close cousin, Joseph Sweeney of Lowell. He was the brother of the late Dr. Felix Sweeney, Dr. Eugene Sweeney, Francis Sweeney, and Charles Sweeney. He is also survived by four sisters-in-law; Ruby Sweeney, Donna Sweeney, Eleanor Sweeney, Patricia Sweeney; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. Other survivors include his seven grandchildren and their spouses, Erin Heise and her husband, Robert of Chelmsford, James W. Sullivan of Lowell, Meghan Stamm and her husband, Russell of Dedham, Elizabeth Marrocco and her husband, Robert of Londonderry, N.H., Nicole LaBrecque of Chelmsford, Christopher LaBrecque of Manchester, N.H., and Matthew LaBrecque of Nashua, N.H.; five great-grandchildren, Ryan Heise and Caitlin Heisem, both of Chelmsford, and Connor Stamm, Brendan Stamm, and Patrick Stamm, all of Dedham; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Walter and Karen Roberts of Brattleboro, VT, Frederick and Theresa Roberts of Chelmsford, and Paul Roberts of Kennebunkport, ME, Rita Coughlin of Dracut, Eileen Shea of Derry, N.H., Sr. Helen Roberts O.S.F. of Quincy, and Mary Alice Curran of Dracut. SWEENEY In Nashua, NH, November 5, 2008 at his home. James W. Sweeney, 84, beloved husband of the late Marian (Roberts) Sweeney. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL, on FRIDAY from 3 until 8 P.M. Mr. Sweeney's Funeral will take place from the Funeral Home on SATURDAY MORNING at 9 o'clock, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 o'clock at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 155 E. MERRIMACK ST. LOWELL. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Mr. Sweeney's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Mass Chapter, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472. ARRANGEMENTS BY FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 978-459-9222.