Final Salute

John E. Sweet, age 95, passed away at his home in Port Henry on Aug. 5, 2021. He was born in Port Henry on May 4, 1926, to Edward and Della Sweet.
John attended Port Henry schools, excelling in football, baseball and basketball. He left high school early to enlist in the U.S. Navy where he became a Seabee. John was stationed in Dutch Harbor, Alaska as well as tours in the Pacific. He proudly displayed his flag every day. John was one of the reasons they call it “the Greatest Generation.” John loved his trip on the Honor Flight.
John married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Thompson, on Oct. 25, 1947. After a brief stint in Albany, N.Y., they returned to Port Henry and shared 62 years together.
John was a railroader, working for the Lake Champlain and Moriah Railroad and as a conductor for Republic Steel until the mines shut down. After the mines shut down, John drove a lumber truck for E.C. Henry’s and for Woodbury’s until his retirement in 1991.
“Sweeter” always had a smile for everyone and a quick-wit. His greatest joy was his family and their wonderful times spent together. He was a man of integrity and honor.
John enjoyed ice fishing in the winter and his vegetable garden in the summer. Many people in the Town of Moriah enjoyed his harvest. He was a member of the Port Henry Fire Dept. and a lifetime member of the Mineville VFW Post 5802.
John is survived by his loving and favorite daughter, Janice Sweet of Pine Bush, N.Y., his daughter-in-law, Sharon Sweet of Owensboro, Ky., his cousins, Linda St. Pierre, William Boyle and Richard Boyle, his sisters-in-law, Jane Raynor and Jean Leombruno as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
John was predeceased by his parents, his wife Joyce, his son Jack, his sisters Frances Carpenter and Helen Kedmenic, as well as several cousins and in-laws.
Calling hours will be Aug. 8, 2021, at the Harland Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Port Henry, Aug. 9th, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Port Henry Fire Dept, 14 Church St., Port Henry, NY 12974 or the Mineville VFW Post 5802, 9 Veteran’s Way, Mineville, NY 12956.
Published on August 6, 2021