Edward Wayne Sweeney

We announce the passing of Edward Wayne Sweeney, July 27, 2025, Jupiter, Florida. Born March 13, 1940, to Sarah Elizabeth and Edward Charles Sweeney of Bristol, PA, he was predeceased by his younger sister and only sibling, Barbara Wilson.

Edward is survived by his beloved wife Nancy of 63 years, sons Edward Jr and Robert, and Robert’s wife Caroline. He cherished his time with his four grandchildren; Allyson, Sydney, Edward III and Robert. He is also survived by nieces Barbara Lassen, Wendy Wheelock and nephew Kevin Cerula.

Dad had few passions in life: fishing, basketball, tennis, family and his highly successful 35-year career with Campbell Soup/Pepperidge Farm. He taught his sons and grandchildren the value of an unyielding work ethic, sportsmanship, respect for themselves and others, and harbored a truly notable compassion and kindness for animals.

Having grown up along the Delaware River, Dad would spend his days fishing with his father, practicing basketball, maintaining the house and working construction as a teen-ager. Skills he learned during that period would become an integral component of his existence and eventual legacy. He met Nancy in high school, graduated University of Maryland in 1962, contributed service to the Army Reserves, married Mom soon after and started his career and family.

We remember Dad relentlessly encouraging both of us to participate in sports to build character, work ethic, competitive spirit and accomplishment. He would overcome any obstacle to participate in our early Little League and basketball games and what later became a shared passion with Rob: Tennis. Tirelessly, he would encourage us at games and practices, celebrating the wins and consoling the losses with a subtle, but proud, admiration. Reflecting on his love and commitment to sports, it was always overshadowed by his emphasis on education and work ethic. He coached us through countless jobs as kids, cutting lawns and shoveling snow, strongly supported our advanced education and provided all the life experience and lessons to launch another generation. Many of these discussions occurred while chasing bluefish with us on Long Island Sound, we remember those cherished days fondly.

Upon retirement in 1999, Dad virtually manufactured reasons to involve himself in his grandchildren’s lives. Although officially retired to Florida, he and Mom kept a place in CT so long as they could still travel north in the summers to see the grandkids. He served as baby-sitter, transportation coordinator, lawn service provider, fishing buddy, coach and mentor. We always joked the time he spent enriching their lives helped ensure his marriage would endure, giving Mom and the dog some time off regularly to enjoy some

well-deserved peace and solitude. As the grandkids grew, he unwaveringly supported them through academics, high school and college sports, emotionally and financially. When he wasn’t shepherding the grandkid’s pursuits, he reinvigorated his love of tennis while in Florida, joining a men’s tennis league and participating 3 mornings a week up until last Spring at age 84. He also became an advocate for animals beyond caring for the dogs Mom and he kept through the years. Each year around the holidays his mailbox would overflow with requests from various animal charities, he would respond to most all of them.

Dad (Pops to the grandkids) truly lived his life as he was taught by his parents --- core values such as honesty, integrity, generosity, fairness and hard work tempered by humility and loyalty summarize attributes often mentioned when talking to people fortunate to have known him. He will be missed by all of us, but we’ll remember him always. Rest in Peace Dad, we all love you!

At Dad’s request, there will be no formal services or funeral. The family will have a private celebration of his life when appropriate. Please no flowers or other acknowledgements. If compelled, consider supporting Furry Friends Humane Animal Shelter @ www.furryfriendsadoption.org 100 Capital St Jupiter, FL 33458. Attn: Steve Macht