Edward J. Sweeney

Edward J. "Ed" Sweeney, age 74, passed away in Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton, Massachusetts on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 after a brave battle following surgery complications. Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on June 29, 1943, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Catherine (Glasheen) Sweeney. He was raised in Dorchester and graduated from Mission High School with the Class of 1961. As a young man, he was a standout baseball player for the Lyons Club and Mission High. A passionate athlete, he also played ice hockey, football and (later) as much golf as he could

Shortly after graduation, Ed enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and remained in the Army Reserve for 6 years during the Vietnam War. As he was not called to active duty in Vietnam, Ed found work with the Boston Gas Company. He began his career in the mail room and eventually worked his way into a management role, working for the company for 42 years. He loved to ski and was a member of the Brettl-Hupfers ski club for a number of years, spending his weekends in New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley with people who would become lifelong friends.

Ed married his beloved wife, Janet D. Fleming, on September 20, 1969 in Saint Theresa's Church in West Roxbury. The young couple made their home together in East Walpole, where they raised their family. While working full time and raising his two sons, Ed began taking night classes at Northeastern University to earn his Bachelor's Degree. At the same time, he also toiled away on building the second story of the young couple's house. He never shied away from a project or a little hard work.

Ed coached his two sons, Tim and Chris, in the Walpole Little League system for 8 years and, along with his wife, spent countless nights and weekends supporting his sons from one athletic event to the next into their high school and college days. Neighbors in East Walpole were constantly amazed at his perfectly manicured lawn, which his sons jokingly said rivaled Fenway Park. He had a love for golf, which he played at least twice a week during his retirement years with a number of great friends, and he and his wife enjoyed traveling together and with other couples. Ed also had a talent for writing and art, and enjoyed reading about World War II history. He was a passionate fan of all Boston sports teams and was a "Gallery Gods" ticket member during the Bobby Orr glory years of the Boston Bruins in the 1970s. Above all, Ed's first priority was always his family. He believed in hard work, integrity and being straightforward and honest. It was his nature to put others before himself and he was a perfect role model for his family.

Beloved husband of Janet D. (Fleming) Sweeney.
Loving father of Timothy E. Sweeney of France and Christopher E. Sweeney of Melrose.
Brother of Theresa Sorota and her husband Joseph of Dunedin, Florida and Sister Mary Sweeney of Newton.
Also survived by many close cousins and too many dear friends to mention.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ed's Life Celebration on Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 3 to 7 PM and Monday, March 12, 2018 from 9 to 9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole on Monday, March 12, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.