Larry Alan Sweet

Larry Alan Sweet, 68, of Frederick, lost his long, hard-fought battle to pancreatic cancer at home on Friday, October 13, at 2:10 am.  He had described his illness as walking along a beach with God who picked him up, carried him when he tired and then put him back down to go on until one time God would not put him down but keep carrying him.  That is exactly how his peaceful, gentle passing seemed to his beloved wife and best friend of 45+ years Nancy (DeBerry) by his side.

Born on March 22, 1949, at 2:10 am, in Arkansas City, Kansas, he was the son of the late Frank W. Sweet and Mildred Phyfe Sweet. He grew up in Kansas, briefly lived in Seattle, and then in Titusville, Florida, where his father worked with the space program. He journeyed north on October 7, 1971, to meet Nancy and begin their new adventure.

Larry graduated from Titusville High School (band and brain team), Brevard Jr. College, and the University of Central Florida.  He worked in the automotive service industry 32 years at Callan & Cramer Inc. and Automotive Industrial. He helped open the new Ashley furniture store; worked at Citi mortgage; and then discovered a passion for serving as a companion/caregiver.

On March 25, 2017, Larry received the Courage Award from the National Pancreas Organization, having been nominated by his surgeon for his “willingness to fight an uphill battle, family support, but no. 1, faith.” A true gamester, Larry beat a lot of odds and made it 1 year and 8 months past surgery.

Larry served his churches in numerous ways being most passionate about work with the Missions Committee at Grace UCC.  He was involved in ONA work and the Glade Players at Glade UCC.

He believed his happiest civic accomplishments were volunteering for 35+ years at the Children’s Museum of Rose Hill Manor Park and recently tutoring pre K – 2nd graders in reading and math at Monocacy Elementary School.

Among his many interests, Larry loved live theater, musicals, Star Trek, history, travelling, lighthouses, walking on the beach, hunting shells and smooth rocks, autumn, goats, board games, cards, the “beloved cat nephews and niece,” and supporting his wife with her interests.

He was predeceased by a brother David and is survived by a sister Sher Sweet of Greenfield, MA, a nephew Jacob, cousin Sandra Duren and uncle Tom Caldwell of OK, and sisters-in-law Candy DeBerry and wife Carla Myers of Washington, PA.

His view of life was to “be upbeat, and happy and kind to others” and “a great listener” and be ready to “act if God taps you on the shoulder.” He loved people, believed in their equality, and fit in comfortably as “one of the gang” with whomever he was involved. He wrote that he hoped to be remembered: “that I was a fair and generous man.”  His smile, his humble gentleness, concern for others, and constant loving support for his wife are his legacy gifts.  You will be remembered, “Hermie” and not just by a seagull!! (Summer of 42)

A memorial service with a dinner celebration following will be held at 4:30 pm, (gathering beginning at 4:00) Saturday, November 11, at Glade UCC, 21 Fulton Avenue, Walkersville, MD.  Larry and the family would be humbled and honored by your presence.

Memorial donations may be made in Larry’s name to the National Pancreas Organization, 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD, 20814 to help fight this horrific disease.

Larry's care has been entrusted to Black's Funeral Home of Thurmont.

 Service Information