Lt. Frank E Sweet

Retired Worcester Fire Lt Frank E. Sweet, 83, of Worcester, passed away peacefully with his the family he cherished  gathered  alongside him Tuesday, August 15, 2017 after a brief illness.      Born in Oxford, Pennsylvania on June 25th 1934, a son of Francis and Christine (Williamson) Sweet and moved to Worcester as a teenager.  While attending Commerce High School, Frank left school to serve his country joining the U.S. Air Force, during the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic.  Upon discharge from service, Frank completed his high school education and began employment positions with Rockwell Sprinkler and later Lauring Construction before being appointed to the Worcester fire department.  This was a job Frank truly loved and dedicated his next 30 years serving and protecting the citizens of Worcester before retiring in 1999 shortly before he lost six friends in the Worcester Cold Storage Fire in December.  He began his fire career on Ladder 2, then to Engine 14, before being promoted to Lieutenant and spending a good portion of his career on Engine 7 before retiring.     In 1960, Frank married his love, Nina Pusateri and they built a home off Plantation Street where they raised their 4 children and grandchildren with Love, devotion and family for the next 57 years.  Frank is survived by the “Love of his Life” Nina; his four children, Frank Sweet, Jr, Maria Sweet, Brian Sweet, Clifford Sweet and his wife Tracey all of Worcester;  the five grandchildren from who he drew so much love and inspiration, Clifford, Christina, Nina and her husband  Jersain, Jamie and Nicole; four great grandchildren, Nicolas, Melina, Carmela and Audrey.   Frank is also survived by his sister, Joan Tilton and her husband Robert of North Brookfield and his in laws he thought of as siblings, Vincent “Winky” Pusateri and his wife Mary, Joseph Pusateri and his wife Jean of Sterling, Betty Ann Pusateri of Holden and Helen Pusateri in Maryland.  Many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.   Frank was a member of the Worcester Local 1009, International brotherhood of Fire Fighters, The Worcester Fire Relief Association, Worcester Fire Credit Union and the Pope John XXIII Counsel Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, hunting, fishing and Saturday night’s playing cards with his family.  Frank was a beautiful person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, spending time with his wife, children and especially his grandchildren.   They always came first no matter what.   Frank was also generous with his time helping family and anyone who needed a hand.    Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   His funeral service will be held Friday August 18th at 11:00 am in the funeral home.   Burial with U.S. Air Force honors will follow in St Johns Cemetery.  Flowers may be sent or memorial remembrances made to the Worcester Fire Relief Association,   141 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.