SWEETING, Richard J., 76, of Wellesley and Wilbraham, died on August 21, 2026 with his family by his side, after a brave battle with Parkinson’s.
Rich was born on December 25, 1949, in Denver, Colorado, to Dr. Orville J. Sweeting and Mary Andrews Sweeting and grew up in New Haven, Connecticut. He earned both a Bachelor of Science in geology (1971) and a Master of Business Administration (1980) from Yale University. He proudly served our country as a Marine Corps pilot (Vietnam era), flying A-4s for five years on active duty and for several years afterward in the Reserves.
Rich was an entrepreneur who took joy not only in creating new organizations, but also in nurturing them with steadfast and wise leadership. Following an early career in oil and gas, mining, and exploration geology, he was owner and President of manufacturing companies in Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
Rich was dedicated to his community, serving as a town meeting member in Wellesley for many years.
After coaching his daughters’ softball teams, he spent 20 years umpiring girls’ softball in the Boston area and around the country in NCAA tournaments. He found great satisfaction in giving girls a chance to play softball and teaching them rules of civility. True to his entrepreneurial spirit, he founded and led the Southern Metro Umpire Association.
A faithful member of Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, Rich served as Clerk for 30 years and stepped up to help in countless other ways. With his orientation to detail, understanding of organizational structure, and sharp mind, he was especially helpful in the rewriting of the bylaws twice, 25 years apart.
Rich’s family was his greatest joy. In 1972 he married Meg Sweeting, beginning a loving marriage and partnership of 54 years. He was devoted to daughters Liz and Susie. His life lessons about stepping up in all of life’s endeavors, committing with enthusiasm, and learning and improving have already enhanced their lives and will continue to do so. He was a hands-on dad, teaching them about softball, skiing, camping, computing, business management and more. His colorful tales around the dinner table about softball and flying always entertained and will be passed down.
Rich will be sorely missed for his wit, discerning judgment, and warm heart.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Meg (Larkins) Sweeting, daughters Liz Sweeting and Susie (Sweeting) Perry and her husband Luke Perry, and granddaughter Kaitlyn Perry, all of Wellesley. He is also survived by his sister Barbara (Sweeting) Pappas and her husband Bob Pappas of Port Angeles, Washington, his nephew Jim Pappas of New York City, and his brother-in-law Terry Halwes of New Haven, Connecticut. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Janet Sweeting Halwes.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 11am at Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington St., Wellesley Hills, followed by a reception at the church. There will be a private interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or any charity of your choice.