SWEENEY Edward J. Jr. died unexpectedly, age 62 , in Huntersville, N. C., Dec. 2, Beloved husband of Ellen T. (Finn) for 41 years. Devoted father of Sean P. Sweeney and his wife Julie R. of Highlands Ranch, CO., Shannon Sweeney of Huntersville, N.C. Loving “Poppy” to 3 grandchildren. Son of Edward J. Sr. and the late Mary (Fitzgerald) Sweeney of Roslindale. Brother of Anne Marie Scannell, Michael Sweeney, Beth Knapp and the late Maureen Dugan. Ed was a retired Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army and Vietnam War Hero. He served a tour in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and was awarded medals for meritorious leadership and gallantry in action including the Silver Star, Bronze Star and an Air Medal (45th. award with “V” device) for Heroism. He retired in 1987 from Ft. McPherson, GA. He was Director of Maintenance for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Union County Schools. He was a graduate of Christopher Columbus High School and University of Tampa. A Funeral Mass will be Friday Dec. 12th. at St. Anthony’s Church 167 E. Falmouth Hwy. E. Falmouth at 11am. Interment with Military Honors at the Mass. National Cemetery, Bourne, Ma. In lieu of flowers donations in Ed’s name may be made to “UCPS Employee’s Asso. Fund” 201 Venus Street, Monroe, N.C. 28112. Attn. Ray Barnes. A tribute and guestbook for Ed can be found at http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/edsweeneyjr.