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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.

 


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Deep condolences. My memories stem from our junior high time and hanging out with the Houghton School gang. Those were interesting time. I enjoyed reading Chuck’s obit. The good young man I knew grew into a fine man, with a blessed legacy.
from: Ann Clarkon: 05-12-2023

I am so sorry to hear about Chuck's passing. All at Louison House are still very appreciative of Chuck and his truck who helped us to move quite a few people. Thanks for all he did for Louison House!
from: Kathy Keeseron: 05-02-2023

Anthony, Very sorry to hear about your loss. My deep condolences to you and your family.
Respectfully,
Aparna
from: Aparna Oon: 05-02-2023

We we very sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Our deepest condolences to you all. May your many memories help bring peace and comfort to you in the days ahead.
from: Erica & Jeff Pecoron: 05-02-2023

So sorry to hear about Chucks passing. Prayers and sympathy to his family. Blessings in your time of sadness. College St joes, music, St Elizabeth’s.
from: Patrick and Connie Grayon: 05-01-2023

I just saw this today and I am so sorry I didn't know sooner! Chuck was a wonderful man and I know he is at home with the Lord. So very sorry for Linda and her family. Our prayers are with you all!
from: Philip Gallanton: 05-01-2023

Linda and family so sorry for Chucks passing we send our deepest condolences we will certainly miss him.
from: Gary&Paula Boucheron: 04-29-2023

I worked with Chuck for years at Pfizer then Specialty. He was truly one of the good guys. Always smiling, neat as an pin and willing to help anyone. He will be missed.
from: Tammy McCarthy on: 04-29-2023

I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Please accept our condolences. I remember the great times growing up with Chuck.
from: Ken Lasheron: 04-28-2023

Linda, So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Elizabeth Ralston
from: Elizabeth Ralston on: 04-28-2023

I worked with Chuck for years at Pfizer then Specialty. He was truly one of the good guys. Always smiling, neat as an pin and willing to help anyone. He will be missed.
from: Tammy McCarthyon: 04-28-2023

Our deepest condolences on the passing of such a wonderful person. Remember always the good times.
Faith always, Bob & Nancy
from: Nancy & Bob Waltermireon: 04-28-2023

Linda, our deepest condolences over Chuck’s passing.
from: Steve and Kathy Dallmeyeron: 04-28-2023

Linda and family, please except our deepest condolences. Chuck was one of the nicest people and his smile was so genuine and kind , he always made you feel comfortable when he would talk to you with his the sparkle his eyes. I am sure he is flying high with his lord and savior because he definitely was one of God's chosen people
from: Pam Sisto & Jim Sistoon: 04-28-2023

I remember Chuck well. He was a very quiet gentle guy. Always had a smile for ya. Al and I send our sincere condolences to you all. May you cherish all the memories, and lean on the Lord to carry you through this difficult time.

Robin & Al Bachand
from: Robin J Bachandon: 04-28-2023

Linda and family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Please accept my condolences for the passing of your wonderful husband and father.
from: Rich Alleyon: 04-28-2023

I am so sorry for your loss. Chuck was a great guy. I remember him from the Mountainview days.
from: Pam (Richards) Kidderon: 04-27-2023

I worked with Chuck at Pfizer/Specialty Minerals in the 80s and early 90s. He was one of the most positive people I've known and I always enjoyed his company. He was a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
from: Greg Kelm on: 04-27-2023

Danny and I were so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing.
Our hearts and prayers are with his family.
from: Jeanne Sweeney Howlandon: 04-27-2023

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