Obituary of James R. McSweeney, Sr.

James R. McSweeney, Sr., a retired educator and lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away at his home after a seven-month battle with cancer on Sunday evening, September 18. He was 75 years of age. Born and raised in Woburn, he was the son of the late James E., and the late Barbara (Randall) McSweeney; and he was the loving husband of Kathleen (McCarthy) McSweeney. James was a United States Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War. After graduating from Woburn High School in 1965, he enlisted in the Navy. James served as an Electronics Technician on the USS Boston, earning his Honorable Discharge in 1969. James taught in the Woburn Public Schools for 32 years, teaching science at the Joyce and Kennedy Middle Schools, and later at the Woburn Memorial High School. James retired in 2006, but continued to substitute teach for 15 years. He loved fishing, camping on Ossipee lake, boating, and trips to Disney with his family. In addition to his wife Kathleen, James is survived by one son, James R McSweeney, Jr. and his wife Pamela Trafton of Methuen; one daughter, Kathleen Vogel and her husband Robert Vogel of Woburn; and five grandchildren, Kaitlyn Rice and her husband Christopher Rice of Manchester, NH, Peter McSweeney of Woburn, Joseph McSweeney and his partner Victoria Rousseau of Woburn, Jillian McSweeney of Methuen, and Mary B Price of Lowell. James was the brother of Patricia McSweeney of Woburn, Brian McSweeney of Woburn, David McSweeney, the late Barbara Frevert and her husband Frank Frevert of New Franklin, MO. James is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd., Woburn on Wednesday, September 21 from 4:00-8:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday morning, September 22 at 10:00 am. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in James’ memory to Military Veterans Advocacy, 769 Robert Blvd., Suite 201D, Slidell, LA 70458 or at militaryveteransadvocacy.org to help Blue Water Navy veterans and their families.