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Humbert F. Sweeney

Humbert F. Sweeney

No. 200022 Jul 1930 –1 Feb 1965

Died: New York, NY
Buried: Interred in West Point Post Cemetery, West Point, NY

 
HUMBERT FRANCIS SWEENEY, known as “Frank” to those who were close to him, was a singularly gifted man. He came to the Academy from Philadelphia with three years of college study at LaSalle University already to his credit. This gave him a maturity and familiarity with the academic life that helped him achieve the goals of the Corps. Classmates recall the quiet, efficient camaraderie they enjoyed with him throughout the cadet years.

As a member of the Catholic Chapel squad, Frank’s musical talents led straight to the office of director of the Catholic Choir. In the Debate Council, he was vice-president, and he enjoyed much prestige in the Glee Club. Early on, it was evident that this Philadelphia man was caught up in the spirit of the Academy.

More than once, Frank would be excused from parade practice because his fine voice was needed to get a program in perfect tune for a visiting dignitary. Many were the moments we wished we could join the ranks of the choir when there were orders to “fall in” for extra parade practice.

He had a significant role in organizing and directing the 100th Nite Show, earning him a special place in the memory of his Class of ’54 comrades. He was gifted musically, but he also excelled in the English Department and the literary field throughout his cadet years. He achieved the honor of being first–#1 man–in the English Department. He attempted, sometimes successfully, to explain and decipher the hidden message in the Shakespearian sonnets to his classmates. The spirit of camaraderie was always present, and Frank was an integral part of that bond among the M-2 men.

As we well remember, plebes spent Christmas at West Point in those days. During Christmas holiday in 1950, Cadet Sweeney and his roommate, Cadet Palmer, were invited to the Catholic Chapel for an afternoon social. Father Robert McCormick was particularly solicitous about his plebes. At the chapel, they met roommates Eleanor McDonald and Nancy Middlemiss from Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart. Eleanor and Frank were married at graduation time, and Nancy and Warren followed suit in 1956. Even though many years have passed, and both Eleanor and Frank have returned to the Lord, the Palmers remain close to the Sweeney children.

Frank had chosen Artillery branch at graduation, so Frank and Eleanor reported to Ft. Sill, OK, upon Frank’s completion of Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA, making the town of Lawton their home for the next three years. As all of us know, the experiences of a brand-new second lieutenant are the source of great stories. Friends all enjoy sharing of stories of finding the right house and adjusting to the new post. Many of us remember the comical way Frank could regale us all with an experience from the Army at Ft. Sill. It was secretly believed that Frank’s favorite artillery command when in the field on training was CSMO (Close Station March Order), when the unit would pack its gear and head for home so Frank could then see his beloved Eleanor.

Ft. Sill was also the final military posting for Frank, as he and Eleanor left the service in 1957. He opted for the industrial sector and joined the DuPont Corporation team in Delaware, where he took up residence with his growing family. Frank was promoted quickly and was once again on the move. This time, they moved to the greater New York City area, where they enjoyed frequent visits with family and classmates. They were blessed with seven children: Francis, Catherine, John, Daniel, Madeleine, Robert, and Virginia. In all their accomplishments, their children and now 16 grandchildren are a beautiful reflection of the high values set before them by both their parents.

On 1 Feb 1965, Frank died unexpectedly, and Eleanor raised the children alone. She enriched them with her own beautiful vision of faith, wisdom, and humor.

No commentary would be complete without a reflection on Frank’s devotion to “his Eleanor” and the children. The romance began at a social on a snowy December afternoon and lasted a lifetime. Cadet roommates have attested to the fact that his literary ability was finely honed by the epistle he typed to Eleanor every night after lights out. The clicking of his typewriter keys in the hallway of the Cadet division was a familiar sound, followed by Frank scrambling back to his room with his typewriter and chair if he heard the tap of heels from the Tactical Officer on a lower floor.

Frank’s time with us was far too short, but the memories we have are undimmed. His legacy is a strong and enduring one. Lofty goals and ideals are often expressed in literary works. Frank was not only conversant with written wisdom but also emulated these standards in his own life. Honor and decency were hallmarks as soldier, husband, father, and friend.  

Prepared by his seven children
Francis, Catherine, John, Daniel,
Madeleine, Robert, and Virginia
in coordination with
his roommate, Warren Palmer

Originally published in MAY / JUNE 2006 TAPS

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