Joseph "Ned" Edward Sweet Jr.

Ned was born on March 17, Saint Patrick’s Day, 1931, in Salem, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Joseph Edward, Sr., and Helen Twomey Sweet.

Ned served his country in the United States Army, in the Counter Intelligence Corps from 1953 to 1956. Prior to serving in the Army, Ned received a Bachelor of Science from the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA. Following his Army service, Ned received his Master’s degree in Hospital Administration from Columbia University, New York, NY. After Columbia, Ned began a successful career in Hospital Administration as Associate Director from 1959 to1967 at Huntington Hospital, Huntington, NY, and as Assistant Director from1967 to 1968 at the Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME. In 1969, Ned embarked on 24 years at Alexandria Hospital, Alexandria, VA; as Associate Administrator from 1969 to 1975; Administrator from1975 to 1983; and President, The Alexandria Health Care System and the Alexandria Hospital from1983 to 1993. Ned was active in numerous professional organizations, including the Virginia Hospital Association, where he served as Chairman in 1987. Ned was an avid reader and enjoyed playing golf and racket ball with his colleagues and friends. Ned loved all things Holy Cross College, and he was a huge baseball fan – Go Red Sox!

Ned and his late wife, Maureen, shared 40 wonderful years of marriage. They were always by each other’s side, always dedicated to each other. Ned’s care for Maureen during the time she was living with Alzheimer’s was nothing short of heroic. Ned and Maureen cherished their time as longtime active parishioners at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston, VA. They served in parish leadership roles; assisted as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion; and performed pastoral visits to homebpound parishioners. Ned was a wonderful father, whom loved spending time with his family. He lived for family celebrations and holidays. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He was a loving and supportive grandfather in every way imaginable.

In addition to his wife Maureen C. Sweet, Ned was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth and Virginia.

Ned is survived by one son Bob (Lea) Morrissey of Montclair, VA; and two daughters, Jane (David) Tinsley of Springfield, VA, Ann (Rick) Eul of Springfield, VA; nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; his beloved nephew Russ Walsh, of Beverly, MA; numerous extended family members; and his sister, Nancy Connolly, of Haverhill, MA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, October 7th, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Annandale, Virginia 22003. Interment will be at a later date.

Following the Burial Mass, all are welcome to join Ned’s family for lunch at Springfield Golf & Country Club, 8301 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield, VA 22152.

In lieu of flowers, Ned requested memorial contributions be made in memory of Maureen Morrissey Sweet to Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4320 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, VA 22304.