THOMAS CURTIS SWEETSER JR. HERMON – Thomas Curtis Sweetser Jr., 77, died April 22, 2004, at a Bangor hospital. He was born July 17, 1926, in Yarmouth, the son of Thomas Curtis Sr. and Anne Francis (Durant) Sweetser. Tom graduated from North Yarmouth Academy in 1944. He then served his country in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman earning the rank of Sergeant during World War II. Tom then went on to graduate from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1950 with a bachelor of science degree in agronomy, and later received a master in sociology from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, in 1973. From 1954-1963, Tom worked for Wirthmore Feeds, Inc. in Waltham, Mass., starting as a sales and service representative to General Manager of Operations. From 1964-1971, Tom started work with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension service as an extension agent in Central Aroostook County. While still with the University of Maine Extension Service he served as a USDA RC & D Coordinator/Extension Agent in the Down East Resource Conservation and Development Area (Hancock and Washington Counties) from 1971-1987. Throughout his career he received many awards and achievements such as the “Commendation Award” from the Soil Conservation Society of America that reads “in recognition of distinguished professional achievement and service.” Tom was very involved with his community and served on many committees and was a member of a number of organizations such as Cherryfield Town Planning Board, Citizens Advisory Committees, Community Development Society, Economic development Council of Maine, Kiwanis Club (past president in Presque Isle), Maine Association of Extension Agents, Narraguagus Historical Society, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, New England Association of Extension Agents, Rural Sociological Society of America, Soil & Water Conservation Society of America and Pine Tree Chapter, Washington County Economic Development Corp., Washington County Regional Planning Commission. Tom was a member of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, Brewer. In addition to the being involved with local community organization and development his other interests were gardening, cross-country skiing, hiking, fishing, camping, and computing. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mildred (Blake) Sweetser; a daughter, Barbara Lovley and husband, Patrick, of Eagle Lake; a son, Thomas Sweetser and wife, Kathleen, of Texas; sisters, Joanna Tammenen, Linda Gurtman; a brother, William Sweetser and wife, Janet; sisters-in-law, Frances Sweetser, Anne Doyle and husband, Richard, Barbara Blackwell, Helen Blake; three grandchildren, Shawn, Seth, Samuel; two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Cassidy; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, George and Robert Sweetser. Friends are invited to meet with the family from 6-8 Monday, April 26, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 27, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 425 South Main St., Brewer, with the Rev. Joel Cyr, celebrant. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yarmouth, at a later date. Those who wish to remember Tom in a special way may make gifts the University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792 or Ecotat Trust, P.O. Box 6233, Hermon, ME 04402. <
THOMAS CURTIS
