James A. Sweeney, Sr., 79, of Wareham and Bradenton, Florida died unexpectedly Thursday, April 7 at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton. He was the beloved husband of Helen J. (Soule) Sweeney for 56 years.

Born in Natick, he was the son of the late Charles A. and Mary (Alexander) Sweeney. A graduate of Natick High School and Wentworth Institute, Mr. Sweeney was an electrical engineer for ComElectric for many years. A previous resident of Mashpee, he moved to Wareham in 2010.

Mr. Sweeney served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1957 as an aircraft mechanic. He was a member of the American Legion Post 188, member and past Exalted Ruler of the Hyannis Lodge of Elks No.1549 and current member of the Wareham – New Bedford Lodge of Elks No. 73.

He is survived by his wife Helen; his son, James A. Sweeney, Jr. and his wife Roberta of Natick; two daughters, Priscilla Sweeney and Cynthia Cook both of Wareham; his sister, Margaret Branagan of Natick; six grandchildren, Brandon, Shannon, Sean, Alex, Kaitlin and Bryan; and two great grandchildren, Madison and Brayden.

His funeral will be from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham on Friday, April 15 at 8 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, Onset Avenue at 9 a.m. Interment will be in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 619 Purchase St.
New Bedford, MA 02740.