Arbor Day Tree Dedication : May 2, 2014
                                                
 Gerard and Margaret Sweeney

    Good afternoon. A tree will be planted this spring in memory of Gerard and Margaret Sweeney
    of Mendon. They were special people in many ways. Their values were in education, religion,
    service to others, and family.

    Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney's devotion to academics was exemplary. Gerard graduated from Saint
    Mary's High School in Milford in 1931 and Boston College in 1935. He earned a master's
    degree from B.C. in 1938 in American History. He became an English and Latin teacher at
    Milford High School and was editor of the yearbook, the Oak, Lily, and Ivy. Margaret graduated
    from Mount Saint Joseph's Academy in 1935 and Regis College in 1939. Their son, Jay, and
    his wife, Anne, are graduates of Assumption College and are dedicated educators. Jay is
    principal of Advanced Math and Science Academy in Marlborough,  and Anne is a speech and
    language teacher in Uxbridge. Their two oldest daughters, Sarah and  Lauren, are teachers
    at  Advanced Academy.  Patrick is a student at Manhattan College and Megan is a student at
    Blackstone Valley Tech. Their ardent  love of learning was an inspiration to their family.

    Gerard and Peg were active parishioners of Saint Michael's parish on North Avenue. They
    were generous contributors and gave unselfishly of their time. They taught religious
    education  classes and held backyard cookouts for their students. They participated in fund-
    raising and social activities. Peg was a Eucharistic minister.  Most of all, they practiced their
    religious faith in their daily lives.

    Being of service to others was a way of life for Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney. Gerard served his
    country in the United States Army during World War Two.  He fought in Germany and France
    and was awarded a bronze star.  He was a founding  member of the school committee of  
    Blackstone Valley Technical High School.  He was instrumental in selecting the location of the
    school and overseeing its construction. He served on the committee for twenty years. He
    served as a grand knight of the Milford Valencia  Knights of Columbus and was a member of
    the Milford Rotary Club.

    Peg was active in many areas of public service. She was a member of the board of directors of
    Milford Regional Hospital  for thirty-five years. She gave unselfishly of her time as a hospital
    volunteer as a member of the Women's Auxiliary.  She served six years as a member of the
    Alumni Board at Regis College. In the year 2000, she was voted Mendon's  Senior Citizen of
    the year.

    Professionally, the Sweeneys  exemplified a strong work ethic. Peg was Director of Food
    Services at Draper Corporation in Hopedale and at the Larches, its executive mansion. She
    and her husband owned and operated Central Mass. Travel Agency in Milford  from 1952
    through 1992. In addition to being a teacher and travel agent,  Gerard was a director for
    twenty-four years at the Milford Federal Savings and Loan Association. Their devotion to their
    work was commendable.

    The motto of Boston College is, "Ever to excel." The Sweeneys lived this motto to the highest
    level. They lived a life of excellence in education, in their religious faith, in their service to
    others, and in their devotion to their family.  A tree will be planted this spring in memory  of
    these special people.

                          
Peg, The Larches and the Boston Celtics                   Mendon Menu