Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Paul Sweet Obituary
Paul was born on Oct. 5, 1961, in Rutland, the son of Roger and Betty (Emerson) Sweet. Paul was still a boy when the family moved to central Vermont. He graduated from Spaulding High School and attended the University of Connecticut, where he studied music.
As a young man, Paul spent many years as a counselor at Camp Downer 4-H Camp in Sharon, where he made lifelong friends and touched the lives of countless campers, many of whom made trips back to Vermont to visit Paul in these last weeks. Paul was also a gifted vocalist and shared his love of music and drama by assisting with numerous Spaulding High School drama performances. He was a lifelong fan of all things baseball and had a professor's knowledge of American history. Paul worked for several central Vermont companies, most recently as district manager for RGIS Inventory Services, before retiring due to declining health.
Paul is survived by his mother, Betty; his brother, Howard, of Waterbury; and his sisters, Charlene Hopkins and her husband, Michael, of East Montpelier, Helen Bryan and her husband, Shawn, of Berlin, and Lisa Turner, of Berlin; as well as many nieces and a nephew. Paul was predeceased by his father, Roger, in 2010.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, July 11, at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. A committal service will follow at the Berlin Corners Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Downer, 70 S. Winooski Ave., No. 196, Burlington, VT 05401.
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Sweet
Amy Messier
July 1, 2019
Gone but never forgotten! You are missed and thought of often.
Richard Scribner
July 11, 2011
My condolenses to Mrs. Sweet , Lisa, and Paul's other siblings. Paul was taken way too early in life.
I was a classmate of Paul's at SHS too. We also both lived in the town of Washington and we rode to school together with my Dad for awhile. Paul and I were friends for awhile in high school and I liked talking about baseball, politics, and history with him. We lost connections after high school , but he had an influence on me similar to all that he helped at Camp Downer .He was humorous, very intelligent , and he is missed.
Donna Poitras
July 11, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Paul's family.
I was a classmate of Paul's, he was always smiling, great sense of humor. RIP Paul.
Donna Poitras
Lynda & Ray Fassett
July 9, 2011
RIP Paul, many fond memories from "Barre to Broadway" and "Man of LaMancha" as well as other plays with the Spaulding drama club. A talented young man with a hearty laugh and an friendly smile.
amy messier
July 9, 2011
paul would be pleased to see all the wonderful things being said and remembered. i often wondered if he had any idea how much he shaped us in our youth. his memory will be legendary to his "camp family" and will live one through all of us. there is a "dash" poem that is often read at funerals....paul did a lot with his dash! I am unable to be in attendance monday, but my prayers and thoughts will be amongst you all.
Mark Patterson
July 9, 2011
I didn't know Paul well, but well enough that I could say hello to him on the street. He was always filled with irascible good humor, and had something funny to say. I got on his good-guy list when I rescued him from an evening of rock music (which he roundly hated) by running up to my house to get a Sinatra 8-track. I'd lost touch with him, and I'm sorry he's gone. My condolences to his friends and family
Nancy "Arnie" Arnholm
July 9, 2011
I knew Paul from Camp Downer. I was a camper for years and then eventually a Staff Aid... Paul was always full of fun and the kids all loved him. Rest in Peace, Paul, knowing that so many people love you and you will surely be missed.
July 9, 2011
July 9, 2011
July 9, 2011
Our condolences to Betty, Charlene and all members of Paul Sweets family.
Morris & Irene Wyman
Randolph,Vermont
Elaine Archambault
July 9, 2011
I knew Paul through his leadership at Camp Downer. Paul taught me the importance of being a leader who has vision, direction and above all else humor. I believe that Paul is living through all those individuals he inspired. Elaine Archambault
Carol Capron
July 9, 2011
Rest in peace Paul and know that you made a difference in alot of young lives
thoughts and prayers with your family at this time.
Carol-Gregg Murphy
Matt & Lisa Patry
July 7, 2011
So many fond camp memories, too many years out of touch. Wish our last visits were the rekindling of an old friendship rather than last good-byes. Our sympathy is extended to the family.
Brett Howe
July 7, 2011
I'm rarely speechless, but trying to put into words the sense of admiration I have for Paul is proving difficult. My heart goes out to his family, and to all the friends he touched so deeply. I have a feeling that on Monday many of us will be thinking, "This would be great time for a song from Paul." I will hear him in my heart.
Cheryl Farnum Rendino
July 7, 2011
No words are sufficient to describe the love of our Camp Downer family (I've often tried to describe it to others and failed) but one thing is for certain: Paul was a very important part of that love and that experience we all share, and we will miss him dearly. I will be forever thankful to have spent time with him these last few weeks, and appreciative of the new connections with the Sweet clan. Deep peace to you, as you all "meet your new road," as Paul often sang in a favorite Camp song.
Daniel Ricker
July 7, 2011
Paul was a great counselor, teacher & friend. His humor and ideas, helped us learn a lot from him at Camp Downer. I will miss him a lot and will be there on Monday. My heart goes out to his family & close friends.
Dan Ricker
Gerry & Carole (Emerson) Brocher
July 7, 2011
Aunt Betty, Our heartfelt sadness in the passing of your dear son, Paul. We are cousins but didn't really get to know each other. I was hoping, we would soon get the opportunity but God wanted you now and took you away. Our blessings, Aunt Betty, Charlene, Helen, Lisa and Howard. Love & thoughts,
Denise Cote
July 7, 2011
A good man has left us. I hope he is in peace. My thoughts of love are sent to all who knew and loved this man, Paul Sweet.
Louanne LaRocque-Collins
July 7, 2011
My sympathies to the Sweet family. Paul will be forever in my heart along with all the fond memories that we shared together. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Laurie Drolet
July 7, 2011
Aunt Betty and family - we will miss Paul's laughter and enthusiasm for life. Many fond and happy memories with him at the farm ... Thoughts and prayers are with you all, love Laurie and Al
Karen Seaman
July 7, 2011
There are people that come into our lives and make huge differences without even knowing it. Paul had a huge impact in my life that made me a better camp counselor, better teacher, a better parent, and ultimately a better person. The lessons he taught me "way back when" have stayed with me. I was blessed to know him, be his friend and be part of his "camp family". Paul will forever live in my heart and images of his smile, his sarcasm, his "look", his laughter, his voice, and his kindness will reside there too. The world has lost an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers go to all his family and friends.
Kim Prior
July 7, 2011
Condolences to the family of a great man who influenced so many, many young lives in so many positive ways. May we all honor him briefly with tears but forever after with smiles and happiness as we remember our favorite moments with Paul.
July 7, 2011
Paul will remain be in our hearts. We will miss him always. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this time.
Barbara Anderson
Seattle, Washington
Kim Maxwell Batson
July 7, 2011
so sad that paul has left us, but great comfort knowing he is singing in heaven with the angels now. a million great memories of this man...but my favorites are of all the times he "saved" me from the wildlife at Downer, "Paul,there's a skunk in cabin 10!" "Really, well you should've made sure those campers didn't have candy out & shut the doors like they are supposed to." (followed by the Look he always gave, then brainstorms on ways to get rid of it) "Paul, there's a huge snake in Lakeside bathroom!" "Well Kim,it's your village so it's your snake" (of course followed by the Look and then his help!)
and of course his stories, songs and guidance which echo in my mind and soul with every path i have taken- he gave each of us at Downer words to live and grow by and a longlasting friendship to treasure. much love and prayers for all who will miss him dearly.
Amy Higgins
July 7, 2011
You will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers are with your family
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Paul Sweet's name
Memorial Events
for Paul Sweet
How to support Paul's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Paul Sweet's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
