SWEEZEY, FRANCIS CHARLES DAVID - 1948-2011 - Russell F. Sweezey sadly announces the death of his father, Frank C. Sweezey. Frank's heart failed unexpectedly at his home just outside Fredericton in the early hours of May 10th after a lengthy illness. Frank was born in Chatham, NB on June 27th, 1948. He graduated from Chatham High School where his passion for English literature and the dramatic arts were fostered by Carl Burns. He pursued his BA and BEd at St. Thomas University where he worked with Professor Ted Daigle who also recognized his unique talents as a dramatic actor and encouraged him to follow his dream. Frank had studied at the National Theatre School of Canada and he eventually left his first teaching job at James M. Hill High School to accept a position as an actor with Canada's world renowned Stratford Theatre in London Ontario. Like many who saw him perform, Frank now knew he could make acting his profession and that he would have become one of our best. But ultimately he decided he preferred to return to teaching where he could pass on to others his passion for the performing arts and the fine arts. This became his lifelong pursuit. Frank taught in the public High Schools of New Brunswick for almost 30 years at James M. Hill in Chatham, and Fredericton High School and Leo Hayes High Schools in Fredericton. He devoted his life towards being a willing student, a gifted actor, a knowledgeable teacher, a charitable Catholic, a loving husband, as well as, a strong and supportive father. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Evelyn (Cahoon) Sweezey and his most dear wife, Evelyn R. (Russell) Sweezey, his parents-in-law, Bervel and Marjorie (Whelton) Russell and his brother-in-law, Ralph Gilliss. He leaves to mourn, his beloved son, Russell, his brothers, Kenneth and Jack (Faye), his sister, Marion (Gilliss), several in-laws, as well as, numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be no visitation at Frank’s request. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 11:00 am at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Hanwell Road. Rev. J. J. Dolan will officiate. Interment will follow in the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery, Oromocto, NB. All are welcome to a reception in the St. Vincent de Paul Church Hall following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Frank’s honor may be made to the Evelyn Sweezey Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. Thomas University or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be made at www.mcadamsfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to McAdam’s Funeral Home (458-9170).