BCAT News

A Korean War Veteran, beloved family man and long time member of the Burlington Board of Health has passed away.  

Eugene ‘Terry” McSweeney, a devoted family man and community member, passed away at his home on Monday, April 5, surrounded by his family, his obituary from Sullivan Funeral Home says. He was 85 years old.

Terry was born and raised in Everett as one of five children born to Irish immigrants, the late Bryan and Catherine McSweeney. He was a graduate of Cathedral High School and, at the age of 19, enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country during the Korean War from 1954 to 1956. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army of Occupational Medal. 

He put his family before anything else though his community was also of great value to him. 

“At the center of Terry’s life was his family – there was nothing more important to him,” his obituary reads. “Terry met his wife, Barbara, at work and married her at the age of 21. They settled in Burlington, Mass in 1964, where they raised their five children. Terry was an active member of the Burlington community, and his love for his town and deep commitment to his family, enticed him to bring his parents, sister, brother and their families to Burlington.” 

He never missed any of his children’s sporting events, dance recitals or important occasions in their lives, his obituary states. He was sought out by family members for his sage advice, comforting ear and a lending hand.

He was also a long-time member of the Board of Health. 

“Terry had a true passion for politics and serving the community in which he lived,” his obituary reads. “He was, and still is, the longest-tenured member of the Burlington Board of Health, elected for more than 37 years, retiring in 2014.  He held a variety of roles on the Board and established many local civic programs still in existence today. Like St. Patrick’s Day, election day was a very important and “treasured holiday” for the McSweeney family.  Terry was very respected in Burlington politics and was often visited by many state politicians throughout the years looking for his support, including former Governors Michael Dukakis and Edward King, former Mayor Kevin White, and Former State Representative Joseph Kennedy.”

He also attended Lowell Tech at night on the GI Bill, studying Civil Engineering while working part-time at the Post Office and the local butcher. He graduated with an associate degree and worked as a Civil Engineer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for more than 40 years.  As his children got older, Terry knew he needed to support them through their college educations. He formed a business called TM Associates, a paving company located in Burlington, that he operated for more than 38 years; until he was 80. Additionally, not one to ever sit idle, during his retirement years, he worked as a Consultant for the town of Middleton.  

“Terry not only cared about his community, but equally cared for its citizens,” his obituary says. “If he heard someone needed assistance, he was right there for them, under the radar, helping.”  

After 38 blessed years of marriage, heartbreak struck the McSweeney family when Terry’s wife, Barbara, passed away in April 1995. Terry was fortunate to reconnect with a longtime friend, Micci Stamos, in 2002. Wed in 2017, they enjoyed traveling, spending time together and taking memorable trips to Marco Island. 

“Terry, with his larger-than-life personality, will always be remembered for his generous spirit, his eye for fashion and impeccable dress, the joy in which he lived his life, his devotion to Burlington and its community members, and – most importantly – the incredible family he built as they continue his legacy in their own lives,” his obituary concludes. 

Terry was the beloved husband of Georgia “Micci” (Stamos) and the late Barbara (Lingley).  Loving father of Eugene “Terry”, Jr. of Boston, Karen Marchant & her husband Jim of Burlington, Brian and his longtime partner Roya of Natick, Erin McSweeney & her husband Aris Pappas of Marco Island, FL and David & his wife Laura of Burlington.  Proud grandfather of J.T. and Connor Marchant; Cale, Logan, Teagan, Cameron, and Sean McSweeney; Calli & Alexi Pappas and Wendy Miller.  Also survived by 4 great grandchildren.  Stepfather of Thomas Potorski of Salem.  Brother of Kathleen Stanton of FL and the late Mary Ricci, Margaret Connolly & Brian J. McSweeney, II. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON on Thursday, April 8 from 4-7 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret’s Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org, 111 Winn St., Burlington on Friday, April 9 at 10 a.m.  Services will conclude with burial in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.