4:11 p.m., June 2, 2006--Howard E. “Tom” “Tom Cat” Sweetman, 66, of Newark, died Dec. 13, at home.

Mr. Sweetman, the son of the late Thomas and Marguerite Sweetman, was born in Bear and was a lifelong Newark resident.

He served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged at the rank of private first class in 1958.

An operations mechanic at UD for 20 years, Mr. Sweetman retired in 1998. Before coming to UD, Mr. Sweetman was an ironworker for Local #451 for 15 years.

Mr. Sweetman was a life-long member of Aetna Hose Hook & Ladder Company of Newark, VFW Post #475 of Newark and the American Legion.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to all, Mr. Sweetman enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping at Bayshore, fishing, riding his moped scooter, thoroughbred racing at Delaware Park and cheering for his grandson, Ryan, on the football and baseball fields.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, E. Joanne Sweetman; sons, Thomas H. Sweetman and his wife, Kim, of New Castle and Keith E. Sweetman and his wife, Kim, of Elkton, Md. Mr. Sweetman also is survived by his grandchildren, Ryan and Taylor Sweetman; his brothers, Robert and David F. Sweetman, both of Newark and all those friends who touched his life in a special way.

Mr. Sweetman was predeceased by a twin brother, Herbert Sweetman, a sister, Clara Mae Seward, and a brother, Allan Sweetman.

A celebration of Mr. Sweetman's life was held Dec. 19, at Beeson Funeral Home in Newark. He was buried with full military honors in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Sweetman can be made to the American Lung Association, 1021 Gilpin Ave., Wilmington, DE 19806. Online condolences can be made by visiting [www.griecofuneralhomes.com].