Brockport, NY / Atlanta, GA – Born December 9, 1944 – Died December 3, 2018.
Willie was greeted in heaven by his precious daughter, Katie Sweeting, his parents, Red and Mary Sweeting, and a host of other relatives and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann (McCormick) Sweeting, devoted son and daughter-in- law, David and Lisa Sweeting, devoted daughter and son-in-law, Susie (Sweeting) and Bill Armstrong, his adoring grandchildren, Max Sweeting, Ainslie, Liam, and Aiden Armstrong, all of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Ellen Sweeting, and his nieces and nephew, Carolyn (Dan) Benedict, Robert (Karen) Sweeting, and Tricia (Bill) Bruning, and their families. Also surviving him are special cousins, Randy Sweeting, Kathy Glynn Krein, and Bill Glynn, as well as several other cousins and many close, loving friends.
Willie was a life-long resident of Brockport, having been born in the “Old Hospital” on Main Street. He grew up on Adams Street, right across the street from the BCSD ball fields. He attended the Campus School and graduated from Brockport High School in 1962. He attended Indiana State University, but soon returned to his beloved hometown. He operated Earl ‘n’ Bill’s Texaco Gas Station, then Gulf Gas Station on Lake Rd S for twenty years with his life-long friend, Earl Siegfried. He served the people of Brockport and SUNY Brockport well with his skills, talents, and generous heart.
In 1985, Willie began his career at Brockport Central School District, where he supervised the transportation department mechanics, security staff, and grounds and athletic fields department. His specialty was creating and maintaining outstanding baseball and softball fields.
Athletics and sports played a central role in Willie’s life, from the time he was a Yankee’s little leaguer until he became a spectator at his grandchildren’s and nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events. He especially loved watching his nephew’s stock car races. He was an outstanding athlete in high school and as a young adult. His favorite sport throughout his life was baseball and he was rarely seen without a baseball cap shading his eyes year-round.
Willie’s family meant the world to him. He encouraged everyone to be strong and courageous, like he was. His family extended beyond his relatives to include many others. He never met a stranger and became a beloved brother and mentor to many wonderful friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at Fowler’s Funeral Home, 340 West Ave., Brockport 14420, on Friday, December 14, at 2:00 PM, where a calling hour will be held from 1:00-2:00 before the service. Everyone is invited to join Willie’s family at a Reception immediately following the service, 3:00-6:00 at BPOE, Elk’s Club Lodge, 4400 Sweden Walker Rd, Brockport 14420.
Interment will take place in the Spring at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Brockport.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to a Dementia Research Organization of your choice in memory of Willie. The family’s preferred research center is:
Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Emory University, 1762 Clifton Road, Suite 1400, MS 0970-001-8AA, Atlanta, GA 30322-1710.
