Edward J. Sweeney Jr.

MT. DESERT - Edward J. Sweeney, Jr., 60, of Mt. Desert died at home in the company of his family on July 31, 2015. Ted was born June 2, 1955, to parents Edward and Claire (McNally) Sweeney and was raised in Wakefield, Massachusetts.

Ted has called Mt. Desert Island home for the past 35 years, after first visiting the island on a camping trip in 1979 with Laura (Hanson), whom he married in 1982. Ted and Laura, both avid hikers and backpackers, were drawn to the island's beautiful mountains and coastline. It is on MDI that they raised their children, Meryl and John, and grew their business, Tempshield, which develops and manufactures cryogenic protective apparel. Ted enjoyed hiking and walking the carriage roads in Acadia National Park, and sea kayaking along the island's western shores. Each winter, he looked forward to vacationing in St. Barts with his family.

Ted is a graduate of Wakefield Memorial High School and Monserrat School of Visual Arts, where he studied painting. Art remained an interest throughout his life, as did music. Ted was a percussionist in his youth and was a devoted audiophile, ending each day in his home listening room and often traveling to see his favorite artists in concert.

Ted is survived by his wife, Laura, of Mt. Desert; daughter, Meryl, of Lamoine; and son, John, of Tremont. His family also includes his brother, John Sweeney, and his wife, Pam, of Wolfeboro, NH; their daughters Julianne and Melissa; sister Marianne Sweeney of Effingham, NH; her children Elisa, Angela, and Chip; and sister Sharon and her husband, James, of Wolfeboro, NH; their children Terry, Brendan, and Sean. He also leaves behind Laura's siblings, whom he knew since childhood, and their families, as well as many longtime friends and valued coworkers.

Ted's death came just ten weeks after his diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma. He handled his illness and prognosis with strength and grace, never complaining, but instead taking time to reflect upon the rich life he led.

A gathering to celebrate and honor Ted's life will be held at Camp Beech Cliff on Sunday, August 16, from 1-3 p.m. All are welcome. Anyone wishing to contribute a memorial donation in Ted's memory may contribute to Team Tempshield, EMMC Foundation's Champion the Cure Challenge, PO Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931. Those interested may join Team Tempshield for EMMC Foundation's Champion the Cure Challenge on August 14 & 15.