Arthur Paul McSweeney

Brigadier General Arthur Paul McSweeney, US Army National Guard, retired, age 87, passed away in the Norwood Hospital on Tuesday, January 31, 2017. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 29, 1930, he was the son of the late Thomas H. and Florence L. (MacDonald) McSweeney. He was raised in Dorchester and graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School with the Class of 1947. After graduation, Arthur took a position as a heavy truck mechanic before joining the United States Army National Guard in 1948.

Arthur continued his studies at the Massachusetts Military Academy. While he was in school, Arthur married the love of his life, Barbara A. O'Brien, on September 5, 1953 in Saint Ignatius Church at Boston College. Together they made their home in Dorchester, and after Arthur's graduation in 1954, he took a job with New England Telephone, beginning his 35-year long career with the phone company. In 1958, Arthur and Barbara settled in Walpole, Massachusetts, where they raised their family. While studying to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Arthur continued working for the phone company full time to support his family. His academic efforts were noted, as he graduated Cum Laude from Ana Maria College in 1985, at the age of 56. However, his studies did not conclude after earning his degree, as he went on to graduate from the Command and General Staff Military College in Fort Levin Kansas.

After a long and prestigious career in the National Guard, Arthur retired as a Brigadier General in 1988 after 40 years of dedicated service to his country. Two years later, in 1990, he retired from NYNEX, serving as the Fire and Safety Supervisor for New England and New York. Arthur enjoyed a long and wonderful retirement with his loving wife Barbara. Together, they traveled all over the world, especially enjoying their US adventures in their motor home. They eventually purchased a home at Ocean Resorts, on Hutchinson Island in Florida, where they made lifelong friendships.

Arthur had a strong devotion to his faith, as a dedicated member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole, he served as a lector, an usher, and CCD teacher for many years. However, most important to Arthur was his family. He was happiest when his home was filled with his children and grandchildren. His nest was always open to all of his "baby birds." His children will most remember his unconditional love, support, and advice. He had an engaging sense of humor, and is the President Emeritus of the IBPMRA. He will be truly missed.

Beloved husband of 63 years of Barbara A. (O'Brien) McSweeney.
Loving father of Debbie Glynn and her husband Chris of Foxboro, Arthur Jay McSweeney and his wife Sharon of Chelmsford, Joanne Cooper and Sandy Blair of Cummaquid, Barbie Ryan and her husband Michael of Plainville, and Mary Ellen McGrath and her husband Patrick of Walpole.
Loving Papa of Jaime, Jessica, Joey, Michael, Kyle, Kara, Kerry, Christopher, Gabrielle, Caroline, and John and great grandfather of Avery and Mae.
Brother of the late John L. McSweeney, Robert W. McSweeney, and David N. Webster.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Arthur's Life Celebration on Friday from 4-8 PM and Saturday from 9-9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Saturday at 10 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.