William H. Sweet

Worcester, Ma / Fort Myers, Fla

William H. Sweet of Worcester, Ma and Fort Myers, Florida passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 23, 2014 at the Page Rehabilitation and Health Care Center of Fort Myers, Florida after a period of declining health.

William was born in Worcester, Ma. on August 4, 1929 and lived here most of his life. He built a home for his family in Worcester and lived there for thirty years. Fourteen years ago he and his wife and son purchased a home in Florida where they resided comfortably.

William was the son of Harry and Teresa (Holden) Sweet. Growing up, he attended St. Peter's Elementary School and St. Peter's High School in Worcester. In 1948, he was married to Rita (Hamilton) Sweet. They recently celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary together.

Besides his wife, he leaves eight children: Patricia Farrell and her husband Wayne of Fort Myers, Fla., Kathryn Tamalavitch and her husband Richard of Worcester, Ma., William Sweet of Fort Myers, Fla., Robert Sweet of Boynton Beach, Fla., Carol Sweet of Boynton Beach, Fla., Steven Sweet and his wife Marie of Worcester, Ma., Maureen McCann and her husband Jack of West Brookfield, Ma., and Debra Ritchotte and her husband Gary of Fort Myers, Fla.

He also leaves eleven grandchildren: Laura and Michael Farrell, Megan and Richard Tamalavitch ll, Erin and Patrick Sweet, Jason, Shawn and Jessica McCann, Sara Ritchotte-Biszantz and Steven Ritchotte.

He also leaves behind ten great grandchildren.

William came from a family of six children. Two brothers, Richard Sweet and David Sweet and one sister Teresa Toomey predeceased him. He leaves two brothers: Edward Sweet of Providence, RI, and Harry Sweet of Spencer, Ma.

William worked as a store manager of Honey Farms for twenty seven years. Following his retirement, he worked in the library at The College of the Holy Cross for ten years. He then retired to Florida.

He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and served as its President for three terms. He was also a member of the Hibernian Building Association for a number of years. He received the "Hibernian of the Year Award" for his dedication to the Hibernians.

William will be sadly missed by his family and friends and the many people who have been touched by his life.

The funeral will be held Saturday, September 27 from CALLAHAN~FAY AND CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street with a Mass at Noon in Saint Peter's Church, 931 Main St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting Hours are Friday, September 26 from 5 to 8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Smile Foundation, the Alzheimer's Association, or the Christian Children's Fund.