Sweet, Mark N.

Mark N. Sweet passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at home on February 17, 2024, at the age of 98. He was living in Tampa, FL, at the time of his death. Mark was born on July 26, 1925, in Wellesley, MA to the late Nathaniel and Mildred (Ward) Sweet. He spent his youth in No. Chelmsford, MA and graduated in 1943 from Keith Academy, Lowell, MA. From there, he served his country honorably in the US Navy for 3 years during WWII with tours in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters. Following the war, he continued a worldwide life at sea with the Merchant Marines from 1946-1954. After which, he maintained veteran membership with both the Seafarers International and the Merchant Marine unions.

Mark graduated from Boston University in 1954 with a BS in Business Administration. He made his career in trucking, working with MacLean, Lombard, and for 26 years, Roadway Express until his retirement in 1988. For all his working years, he was active in Teamsters Union duties and politics, primarily Local 671, and remained a Retired Teamsters Union member until his death.

Mark married Julia (Fahle) Sweet in 1958. A few years later, they settled in South Windsor, CT, where they raised their four children and resided for 55 years. Gregarious by nature, Mark always greeted everyone enthusiastically and treated friends and strangers alike with kindness and generosity. He was active in local and state civic affairs and political campaigns. Upon his retirement, Mark indulged his lifelong reading habit with several daily newspapers and books per week. He volunteered extensively, including at the South Windsor Public Library and Meals on Wheels, along with deep ties to the House of Bread in Hartford. He embraced their mission to feed, shelter and educate those in need with dignity. At 90, he and Julie relocated to Florida, where he remained vital with all daily activities and reading until very recently.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife of more than 65 years, Julia, and children, Jennifer Sweet, Susan Sweet and James Sweet; grandsons Ted and Gus Warmington, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Joseph Sweet, and grandson, Christopher Vincent, as well as his siblings Robert Sweet, Nancy (George) Keeffe, Patricia Sweet, Janet (Peter) Connors, and Louise Sweet.

At Mark's direction, no services are planned. Donations honoring Mark's remarkable life of energy and engagement may be made to the House of Bread, 27 Chestnut Street, Hartford, CT 06120.