Daniel Lee SWEET

Daniel SWEET Obituary

SWEET, Daniel Lee, 53, of Valrico, Fla., and formerly of Pasadena,

Calif., went to heaven January 7, 2011. He is survived by his wife Heidi; daughter, Gillian; son, Gabriel; mother, Rachel; brothers, Mike (Shellie) and Andy (Wendy); sisters-in-law, Kimberly Lane and Tamara Vanek (Daniel); aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews; and many other family members who will dearly miss him. He was Heidi' s devoted husband and best friend. Dan was the loud and proud father in the stands and was present at every soccer game, track meet, musical performance and awards ceremony. He was everyone' s friend, never met a stranger and did everything with 100 percent commitment and pride. Dan graduated from Occidental College. He was a lifelong athlete, high school and college water polo and swimming, Oxy Olde Boys Rugby Team for many years, and most recently Tampa Rugby Krewe. The ultimate volunteer, Dan served the Tampa Garden Club, the Cactus and Succulent Society as president, and the Seminole Heights United Methodist Church as trustee. Friends are invited at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2011, at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Bloomingdale, for a service to celebrate his life with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up to assist the family at Bank of America in the name of Heidi H. Sweet.

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Published by TBO.com from Jan. 13 to Jan. 14, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel SWEET

15 Entries

Kathleen Frankeny

January 17, 2011

Dan was my first friend through the Oxy group. He always came over to me at parties or games and wanted to know how I was doing. I am so grateful to nearly 30 years of his friendship. I just wish I had one of those giant bear hugs right now. His smile was absolutely infectious! He made everyone around him feel better. I honestly can say I never heard him say anything bad about anybody. Whatever he was doing, he was really doing. Always in the moment and always making anything you were doing more fun. He was always interested in everything. He was also the first person many of us would call when we needed an extra hand, and he always said yes. I will forever miss him.

Scott Behm

January 16, 2011

Some called Dan, "husband" and "father." Some called Dan, "brother" and "teammate." We all called Dan our "Friend!" Someone once described Dan as a 100-watt light - you knew when he walked into the room or when he was around. The Sweet grin and the Sweet laugh were infectious and you couldn't help but to smile, laugh and have a good time when Dan was around. Dan was a giver. He would be first in line if you ever asked for help and I was on the receiving end of his generosity many times. It is a sad day now that Dan's light has been turned off and the world is truly a lesser place without his kindness, happiness and zest for life, shining as an example for us all. My condolences, in friendship and brotherhood.

John Castner

January 15, 2011

Dear Heidi, Gillian and Gabriel,
I'm very sorry that I was not able to be in Tampa today. Dan was simply the nicest guy, period. Always happy to see you, always happy to hear your story, always happy to lend a hand. Dan's enthusiasm, his broad smile, his laugh, his strong embrace, his love for his fellow man, will all be missed but certainly not forgotten. I'm so glad to hear that Dan found the Tampa Krewe and was loved by them as well. How could you not love Dan Sweet? As our Oxy Coach, Michael Godfrey reminded us; "Sweet by name, sweet by nature." I was doubly blessed to be Dan's fraternity brother and fellow rugger. I hope to see all of you soon to share more with you in person. With eternal love and respect for my brother and his loving family.

January 15, 2011

Heidi, I am so very sorry, you and the children are in my heart and prayers.

Cathy Breidenbaugh

Todd and Donna Spear

January 15, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss. Dan certainly lit up every room he ever entered, and we are just as certain that heaven is a more joyful place today! Heidi, Gillian and Gabriel, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Barbara Hall

January 14, 2011

Heidi,
Mike and I are just devastated to hear of your loss. First thing that came to mind was when you, Dan, Gillian and Gabe came through Arizona and stayed with us. Long ago I know but still a very vivid and wonderful memory. My arms are around you right now trying to give you comfort. I'll talk with you soon. Love to you, Gillian and Gabriel.

Mike and Barb (Aldus)Hall

January 14, 2011

I was a member of the Cactus & Succulent Society for over 10 years and he was the BEST President I can remember! Always paying attention to detail allowed him to run a very successful club and he had a wealth of knowledge that could Never be replaced!
He will surely be Missed. :*(
Jeff Girard (Tampa, FL)

Dianne, Kiara & Kris Klingler

January 14, 2011

Heidi, Gabe and Gillian,
I am sure Dan will be watching over all of you. Feel comforted that he is never far away.

Lindsay Bordenkircher

January 14, 2011

Heidi, Gillian, and Gabe:

You are all in our thoughts & prayers while you navigate this unexpected journey in your lives. Our deepest sympathies to you...wish we could give each of you a hug right now!

Marisel Abramson

January 14, 2011

I am sorry for your terrible loss, Heidi. Will pray for the comfort and peace of your family during this difficult time.

lauren sexton

January 13, 2011

i met dan when i was a teenager, i babysat for the family for a few years, he was very nice and sweet. he loved his family. heidi you and the kids are in our thoughts and prayers. i know its been years since i seen you but i still love just the same. so sorry for the lost.

Sandi Dorey

January 13, 2011

I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband and precious father. My heartfelt condolences to Heidi, Gillian, Gabriel and all the extended family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Wade Zacca

January 13, 2011

It's always a sad day when we lose one of our own in the rugby community. I did not know Dan personally, but I am sure we crossed paths many times. What a wonderful tribute to an outstanding individual. The Miami RFC family, would like to extend their deepest and heartfelt condolences to Dan's wife, kids and family and to the members of Krewe RFC. - Wade Zacca, Miami RFC

Matt McGinnis

January 13, 2011

I am lucky to have had Dan aka Dan The Man aka Brother Sweet aka Sweet as a friend and teammate over the past 3+ years.

It all started when he showed up for the bus to an away game in Miami. He got on the bus with a rugby bag older than some of the players on the team slung over his shoulder and a smile plastered on his face that couldn't be more contagious. We all knew by the end of the trip that we had a new brother that was going to be around for a while.

He was a huge part of our rugby family and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He could find good in the most dismal situations. He was an example of positivity that I know rubbed off on everyone he came in contact with.

I will miss you Sweet. Thank you for everything.

LORI BLAKEY

January 13, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. He will be dearly missed by family and freinds. Keep the wonderful memories always in your hearts.
-Lori Blakey

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