Charles Sweeney, 78

Charles “Chuck” Sweeney of North Adams passed away peacefully on Monday evening, April 25, 2023 surrounded by his family after a long illness.

He is survived by Linda, his wife of over 56 years, their two children, Anthony and Michelle, daughter-in-law Carmen and son-in-law Dan, four cherished grandchildren including Colby, Gabriella, Brook and Emanuel, his sister Donna Meranti, four brothers and sisters in law including Jean and Alan Taylor and David and Theresa Maino, as well as several nieces and nephews, his closest friend Everett Rivers and many beloved friends and relatives.

Chuck was born in Adams, MA on January 22, 1945, son of Earl and Rita (Plankey) Sweeney, graduated from McCann Technical High School in 1965 in the Electronics program of study, and later earned his Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from the former St Joseph’s Business College in 1967. While attending college, he worked as a North Adams patrolman and at Widen Tannery.

After college he was an agent for Prudential Insurance Company, and Ad Manager for The Bennington Banner.

But he was far better known in the late 1960’s as bass guitarist and vocalist of “The Dignitaries”, a top 40 and show band that played from Rodney Dangerfield’s in NYC to Sammy Davis Jr’s nightclub at the Coconut Grove in CA, and many places in between including top clubs in Tri-City locations in NY.

While this was his dream job, he always put his family first, and brought the group back home to become the house band of the Mountain View Restaurant in Clarksburg, which he acquired and rebranded into a nightclub and banquet-house with his wife Linda, band member Bernie Robinson, and his wife Irene. It quickly became a hotspot for many young people who still have fond memories of the great times shared there during the early ‘70s.

He then joined Pfizer (Minerals Technologies) in Adams, MA and was promoted through a series of roles including Shift Supervisor, Total Quality Management facilitator, and Empowered Team trainer before his work took him to the corporate office in PA, where he had responsibility for the development and implementation of a corporate-wide computer maintenance management system. He was listed in the International Who’s Who for leading a project to implement the best practices for managing warehouse inventories for all plants. Chuck traveled to each plant to keep abreast of their developments and resolve problems to accomplish team goals. He returned to Adams to supervise maintenance, scheduling and planning until 1996, completing 22 years and retiring at age 55.

Never one to be idle, Chuck became a salesperson at Bob’s Camper and RV and later accepted a job as caretaker for the home of LTC Fred and Janet Ley.

He was a great father and “Papa” to his kids to grandkids. He and Linda always vacationed with them all, sharing their love of camping, boating, and fishing. He also shared his handyman skills and his faith with them. He and Linda believed memories last a lifetime and making those memories was a precious gift. His children can attest to that and continue those traditions with their children.

Chuck felt so blessed that God had given him such wonderful, caring children and grandchildren who loved the Lord the way he did. His face lit up whenever he saw them. They, along with his extended family, made his life complete.

Chuck’s faith and his church, St Elizabeth of Hungary, were a big part of his life. He served as president of the North Adams Chapter of St Vincent De Paul Society for many years, was a Eucharistic Minister, an altar server for funerals, brought communion to the sick and to clients of the Brien Center, arranged healing masses, and organized and led a bible study group.

As a volunteer for the Louison House (a local organization that provides shelter and other needs for the homeless), he donated his time and truck to pick up and deliver furniture for its clients. He also helped with projects for the Williamstown Rotary Club, which included setting up signs for their fundraisers, often in the bitter cold. In 2016, he was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Award for his support.

Calling hours will be held at Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home West Chapel, 521 West Main Street, North Adams, MA on Sunday April 30th from 4-7 pm. The funeral will be held on Monday, May 1st at 11AM in St Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 70 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA, followed by a burial at Southview Cemetery.

Donations can be made through the funeral home in his memory to the St Vincent de Paul Society Council or to St Elizabeth of Hungary Church. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.