Arbor Day Tree Dedication : May 2, 2014 Gerard and Margaret Sweeney Good afternoon. A tree will be planted this spring in memory of Gerard and Margaret Sweeney of Mendon. They were special people in many ways. Their values were in education, religion, service to others, and family. Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney's devotion to academics was exemplary. Gerard graduated from Saint Mary's High School in Milford in 1931 and Boston College in 1935. He earned a master's degree from B.C. in 1938 in American History. He became an English and Latin teacher at Milford High School and was editor of the yearbook, the Oak, Lily, and Ivy. Margaret graduated from Mount Saint Joseph's Academy in 1935 and Regis College in 1939. Their son, Jay, and his wife, Anne, are graduates of Assumption College and are dedicated educators. Jay is principal of Advanced Math and Science Academy in Marlborough, and Anne is a speech and language teacher in Uxbridge. Their two oldest daughters, Sarah and Lauren, are teachers at Advanced Academy. Patrick is a student at Manhattan College and Megan is a student at Blackstone Valley Tech. Their ardent love of learning was an inspiration to their family. Gerard and Peg were active parishioners of Saint Michael's parish on North Avenue. They were generous contributors and gave unselfishly of their time. They taught religious education classes and held backyard cookouts for their students. They participated in fund- raising and social activities. Peg was a Eucharistic minister. Most of all, they practiced their religious faith in their daily lives. Being of service to others was a way of life for Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney. Gerard served his country in the United States Army during World War Two. He fought in Germany and France and was awarded a bronze star. He was a founding member of the school committee of Blackstone Valley Technical High School. He was instrumental in selecting the location of the school and overseeing its construction. He served on the committee for twenty years. He served as a grand knight of the Milford Valencia Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Milford Rotary Club. Peg was active in many areas of public service. She was a member of the board of directors of Milford Regional Hospital for thirty-five years. She gave unselfishly of her time as a hospital volunteer as a member of the Women's Auxiliary. She served six years as a member of the Alumni Board at Regis College. In the year 2000, she was voted Mendon's Senior Citizen of the year. Professionally, the Sweeneys exemplified a strong work ethic. Peg was Director of Food Services at Draper Corporation in Hopedale and at the Larches, its executive mansion. She and her husband owned and operated Central Mass. Travel Agency in Milford from 1952 through 1992. In addition to being a teacher and travel agent, Gerard was a director for twenty-four years at the Milford Federal Savings and Loan Association. Their devotion to their work was commendable. The motto of Boston College is, "Ever to excel." The Sweeneys lived this motto to the highest level. They lived a life of excellence in education, in their religious faith, in their service to others, and in their devotion to their family. A tree will be planted this spring in memory of these special people. Peg, The Larches and the Boston Celtics Mendon Menu |