William Harding Sweet
March 27, 1921 - December 23, 2011
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William Harding Sweet
March 27, 1921 - December 23, 2011
Obituary
William “Bill” Harding Sweet was born March 27, 1921 to Walter and Pauline Sweet in Santo Domingo and died in the comforts of his home and in the presence of his family on December 23, 2011 at age 90. William had three brothers, Robert, Richard, Roy and a sister, Betty.
Mr. William Sweet is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Helene (Pagano) Sweet; loving and devoted father of Walter (Beth) Sweet, William “Bill” Jr. (Tammie) Sweet, Sarah (Robert Pacheco) Sweet, Roy (Tami) Sweet and Molly (Jonathan Stagno) Sweet; grandfather “Pop” to 14 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; and brother of Richard (Jean) Sweet of Florida.
Bill grew up on military bases with his family and lived on the East Coast for his youth. Among the schools he attended were PS-1 in Brooklyn NY and Vineland (NJ) High School. William loyally served in the United States Army during World War II in China. He met Helene and they wed on May 1, 1948 in Vineland NJ at Sacred Heart Church and continued to live in Vineland until 1957. He began his career as an illustrator for Kimble Glass and continued to work for Owens Illinois in various sales positions for 42 years. He moved throughout his career living in Perrysburg OH and Naperville IL. In 1971 he moved to California where Helene and most of the family live today. Most importantly Bill loved nothing more than being with his wife and family. The love Bill and Helene shared was a true inspiration for all who witnessed. They loved nothing more then turning on Frank Sinatra and dancing together on the living room floor. He enjoyed playing tennis, model railroading and photography. He always took a group photo when the family was together. We have those and the many great memories to sustain us.
A private family viewing will be held at the O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday December 30, 2011 at 10:00AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Aliso Viejo, CA. A burial at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest CA will follow. Memorials can be made in Bill’s honor to Wounded Warrior Project.org. We will all miss our husband, Dad, Pop and friend.
12 responses to William Harding Sweet
Sally Pacheco says:
December 28, 2011
Dad, I love you ,miss you and we will take great care of Mom. Thank you for being Dad and Pop to my boys, as you said “your boys” and being there as they grew up. See you in heaven, love always Sally (Sal)
William H Sweet Jr. says:
December 28, 2011
My Best friend and the best father a kid could ever have. Never forgotten and always in my heart. Go Raiders !! Thanks for teaching me how to be a good person and work hard for whatever I want.
Love you always…..Bill Jr
Arlene turner says:
December 29, 2011
You truly willl be missed Mr. Bill, I’ll miss our little conversations, mostly about our kids and grandkids. It has been a pleasure knowing you all these years. You will never forget you. My love goes to your “Sweet” wife, and all the family. Love ya Roy, Arlene
Justin Shoemate says:
December 29, 2011
Pop I can’t imagine any better grandfather than you! You have always been there for your family, supporting and loving along the way. You never missed anything and always took care to show us how much you cared by all the great things you have done! I know that I will miss you every day and miss all of our family get gatherings with your smiling face and welcoming heart!
I remember all those years coming to your house, swimming in your pool, going out to chucky cheese, and spending time at the park. It was some of the best memories I have of you and grandmom always involved and always being there for me! How you would always be there at as many school, church, and sporting functions supporting your family! Not to mention taking thousands of pictures! I thank God for such a great grandfather!
Pop I will never be able to express how deeply you mean to me, how much of my character I wish for myself, and I pray that god brings our family back together again soon! I love you and can’t hardly wait to see you again!
Kathy Wingo says:
December 29, 2011
I am so sorry for the passing of Mr. Sweet. I have so many fond memories of him. I grew up as best friends with Molly and have had so many wonderful and crazy times with the Sweet family! While at times crazy-(Roy passing gas and locking me in with them), to the Standford football games, to the wonderful dinners and visiting while they moved from Sunnyvale to Mission Viejo to San Jose and back to Southern California. Whenever I was in their home, I was always treated with warmth and love and felt welcome by all the family!
I love you all and please know my heart and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Your strength in family will hold you together, as that is what Mr. Sweet always insisted of! Hold on to each other.
I love you all and am sending all my love and prayers to all of you!
Much love,
Kathy (Strehlow) Wingo and all my boys-Husband Mar, and sons Travis and Tanner