ROCKPORT – William R. “Bob” Sweet, 64, died Saturday, November 29, 2014, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers. He was the husband of Natalie F. (Prince) Sweet.
Born in Gloucester on May 22, 1950, he was the son of Dorothy E. (Waddleton) Sweet of Gloucester and the late Elwood F. Sweet, Sr. He was a graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1969, where he was named class clown.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he enlisted in 1969 and served two tours of duty and was honorably discharged in November of 1970. He was a proud member of the 1st Calvary and the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. Until recently, he traveled to attend the 538th Boys’ Reunions.
Upon his return from Vietnam, he became employed by the City of Gloucester in the Department of Public Works as a heavy equipment operator. He remained there until illness forced him to retire in 2005.
He was a longtime member of the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892, the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion, Amvets Post #32 of Gloucester and Doucette-Linguard V.F.W. Post #1624 of Gloucester.
He was also very devoted to his dog, Charlie, and a great pastime of theirs was walking the State Fish Pier. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed.
In addition to his wife of 39 years and his mother, he is survived by two daughters, Nicole Sweet and Hailey Sweet Winske, wife of Dan Winske; a brother and two sisters-in-law, Forest L. “Bud” and Pamela Sweet and Bonnie Sweet. He was predeceased by his brother Elwood F. Sweet, Jr., and a nephew, Matthew Sweet.
A private celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date.