Richard "Dick" Sweeney

Richard "Dick" Sweeney, beloved family man, lifelong sailor, and keen do-it-yourself enthusiast, passed away peacefully on August 26th at the age of 87.

Born in 1937 in Northampton, Massachusetts, to Francis B. and Anita (Venne) Sweeney, Dick grew up in Leeds in a lively household with four sisters and one brother. In 1955, at the age of seventeen, he answered the call to service and enlisted in the United States Navy.

What followed was a distinguished twenty-year career beneath the waves. Serving aboard both diesel-electric and nuclear submarines, Dick began as a torpedoman and later served as an instructor in submarine torpedo systems, leading chief petty officer of the weapons department, certified diving officer, counter-insurgency officer, chief of the watch, and ultimately attained the Navy's highest enlisted rank, Master Chief Petty Officer. Along the way, he earned numerous commendations, including five Good Conduct Awards, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was widely respected for his vast technical expertise, exemplary leadership, and commitment to equal opportunity and fairness. As Chief of the Boat, Dick never lost sight of the human side of service, always striving to improve training, morale, and esprit de corps.

After retiring from active duty in 1975, Dick began a second career as a civilian consultant with SUBMEPP (Submarine Maintenance Engineering Planning and Procurement), first at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and later at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. He specialized in submarine tactical weapon systems, ensuring fleet readiness and safety. He retired from civil service in 1996.

Dick and Carole Lawnicki were married in 1961, and for the next twenty-two years, they happily raised their two daughters, Sheri and Jill. Dick loved traveling internationally with Carole and throughout the country with their girls, visiting family and exploring national parks, monuments, seashores on both the east and west coasts, and sampling local fare along the way. Their home was the site of countless happy gatherings until her passing in 1984.

Dick married Marilyn Lemieux in Oahu in 1986. Together, they enjoyed visits with loved ones, sailing the Hawaiian Islands, participating in local civic groups, and planning regatta events with the Pearl Harbor Yacht Club. Marilyn passed away in 1998.

Throughout his life, he found peace and joy outdoors, in all seasons: lobstering off the Maine coast aboard Seawife, his self-restored fishing boat; sailing his sloop Simcha around Oahu; tracking game in the Allagash; and at home, tending gardens, woodworking, and tackling myriad craft projects with professional precision.

Food was an enduring, vital point of connection for Dick. A self-taught, passionate cook, he drew inspiration from his travels and friendships around the world. He was known for his culinary flair, generous bartending, gifts of homemade meals, and laughter-filled parties. Whether cooking for two or five hundred, a simple roast or a sumptuous banquet, he was deeply, joyfully in his element.

Dick also believed in giving back to his community and was a longtime member of the Lions Club. He cherished his bond with fellow submariners, advocating for and staying connected with veterans throughout his life. He was immensely proud to be inducted into the USSVI Holland Club, an honor reserved for those who have been submarine-qualified for fifty or more years. Members of the Holland Club are considered the living historical memory of the undersea force and serve as an inspiration for future submariners.

Dick is survived by his wife, Carolyn Read Sweeney of Falmouth, with whom he enjoyed gardening, sailing, browsing flea markets, and hosting gatherings in Hawaii, Maine, and Florida.

He is survived by his daughters, Sheri Reynolds and Jill Sweeney-Bosa (Patrick); his grandchildren, Nathan Reynolds, William Bosa, and Sophie Bosa; by his sisters Kathleen Russell (George), Sandra Watkins (Bob), and Debra Mazeski; by his brother Francis Sweeney (Linda); and by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Through his marriage to Marilyn, he is survived by his stepdaughter, Victoria Moore (Steven), and grandchildren, Steven and Jamie; his stepdaughter, Laurie Janson (Ken), and grandchildren, Nicole and Joey; and by his stepson, Tommy Lemieux (Rebecca), and grandchildren, Jaden, Ella, and Haven.

Through his marriage to Carolyn, he is survived by his stepson, James Read (Cindi), his stepdaughter, Lisa Geistert (Dave), and his grandchildren, Jessica Pizzo and Peter Emery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Priscilla Grise, his first wife, Carole, his second wife, Marilyn, and his in-laws, Stephen and Sophie Lawnicki.

Dick will be lovingly remembered for his tireless devotion to serving his country, his adventurous spirit, and his generous heart. Whether in the woods, the kitchen, or the workshop, traveling the world, or at sea under full sail, he lived life with boundless energy, humor, and love for his family and friends.

The family would like to thank the administration, staff, and residents at Maine Veterans' Home in Scarborough, Maine, for their exceptional kindness, respect, and affection in caring for Dick over the past five years.

Memorial donations are deeply appreciated and may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, World Central Kitchen, or a charity of one's choice.

Visiting hours will take place from 10 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, October 11th, at J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home in Kittery, Maine.