Henry J. Sweeney

SWEENEY Henry J. Sweeney, age 77, a resident of West Dover, Vt. passed away peacefully, Thursday, February 5, 2004 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, New Hampshire surrounded by his family. (Hank) as he was known by many, was born and raised in Fairfield, Conn. on August 27, 1926, he was the son of the late Francis and Carrie (Jaracka) Sweeney. He joined the Seabees during World War II at the age of seventeen and served in the Pacific Theatre. In 1954 Hank bought the Chapman Farm in West Dover, Vt. where in 1961 he and his wife, the former Eleanor Losch, built and established the Whippletree Ski Lodge, it remains as the family homestead today. Due to his hard work ethics, he developed his own successful construction and bridge building business, working throughout the area. He was active and vocal in his community, serving on the Dover Selectboard for many years, he was a 31-year member of the West Dover Fire Department, retiring in 1991 as the rank of Captain. The department honored him with the title of Honorary Captain. He was currently on the board of the North Branch Fire District. He leaves his wife Eleanor Sweeney of West Dover; their children Peter Sweeney of Wilmington, David Sweeney of Wilmington, James Sweeney of East Dover and Susan Sweeney of Charlotte; a brother Edward Sweeney of Fairfield, Conn.; his grandchildren, Jenna and Henry Cole Sweeney, Shawn Sweeney, Jorgen Alin- Sweeney and Angela Reed. He was predeceased by a sister, Carrie and brothers, Francis and Thomas. Friends may call at the Covey & Allen Funeral Home, Main Street, Wilmington, Vt., Tuesday evening, February 10, 2004 from 6 to 8 p.m. when the family will be present. Funeral services will be held in the spring and will be announced at that time. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Grace Cottage Foundation in care of the Covey & Allen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send condolences please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.