Gerald W. Sweeting

Gerald Wayne Sweeting (“Jerry”) of Thousand Oaks, CA passed away on June 19, 2023, at the age of 83. Jerry was born on February 6, 1940, in Norwalk, Ohio, where he grew up with his siblings, Julie Ann Poppens, Roger L. Sweeting and Charles L. Sweeting.

Jerry graduated from Ohio University in 1962 with a degree in education and a major in mathematics. While in college, he was in the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) program, and upon graduation, Jerry was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He later attended the University of Arizona where he earned his Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling.

Jerry worked as Electronics Warfare Officer for most of his Air Force career, retiring after 23 years of service as a Lt. Colonel. He continued his career in aviation defense, working at Northrop for over 10 years on several projects. Which included Program Manager for the AGM 136A Tacit Rainbow joint services tactical unmanned aircraft program and as a Flight Test Engineer for the AMG 137 Triservice Standoff Attack Missile (TSSAM) program. He later joined Computer Services Corporation (CSC) as on Operations Engineer for the Global Hawk Unmanned Aircraft program. He then joined Boeing for 5 years where he worked on the Airborne Laser and First Light projects, among other still classified programs. After a 43-year career in air defense, Jerry retired in 2005 with honor and distinction.

Jerry remained actively involved in his favorite hobbies, playing golf and handball several times per week throughout his retirement years.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, George R. Sweeting and LaDonna Hopkins and two of his siblings, Julie Ann Poppens and Charles L. Sweeting.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara J. Beck Sweeting, and his four sons. Robert (Diane) Sweeting of Simi Valley, CA; James (Karen) Sweeting of Sanbornton, NH; Mike (Laurie) Sweeting of Granite Bay, CA; and Jon (April) Sweeting of Simi Valley, CA. His 6 grandchildren; Stephen Sweeting, Ashley Foster, Kelsey Sweeting, Kyle Sweeting, Anna Sweeting, Owen Sweeting; and step-granddaughter Megan Sweeting and great-grandson Daniel Sweeting.

The family would like to thank Los Robles Medical Center, Dr. Jigar Ghelani, Dr. Samuel J. Slomowitz, and Beuna Vista Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362 on July 10, 2023 at 12:00pm. Open visitation will begin at 11am, followed by a service at 12:00pm. A celebration of life will follow at Los Robles Greens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jerry’s honor to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Friends of Freedom or Beuna Vista Hospice.