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.