Retired Deputy Fire Chief enjoyed skiing, tennis, boating and helping others
NORTH READING — Retired North Reading Deputy Chief Ralph J. Sweetland, Jr., of North Reading and Naples, Maine, died on Saturday, April 9, 2022. He was 89.
Ralph, known as Jack to his family and friends, was born to the late Madeline (Esty) and Ralph J. Sweetland, Sr. in a house on Main Street and lived in town for over 65 years. Mr. Sweetland attended the Batchelder Elementary School; later graduating from Reading High School in 1952. He attended Franklin Technical Institute while working at his family’s business, D & S Service Station and as a part-time Call Firefighter.
During the Korean conflict, Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and after serving for three years returned home to continue his 40-year career with the NRFD, serving as Acting Chief and retiring as Deputy Chief.
Jack married Priscilla (Burleigh) on Valentine’s Day 1959, raised four children together and celebrated 63 years of marriage. Throughout his life Jack was active playing tennis, gardening, skiing and home improvement projects. He is also well-known for being there when needed. If the neighbors had bats in their living space, he showed up with tennis racket in hand. When the snow storms hit, he was plowing out the neighborhood. And when the river behind his house froze, he made sure it was safe for the neighborhood children to skate.
In his retirement, Jack could be found on the slopes of Shawnee Peak most mornings and in the summer months he enjoyed exchanging stories with other old-timers at the local bait shop in Naples. Jack loved gardening, but despised woodchucks. He spent over 50 years boating on Sebago Lake where he had taught many how to waterski.
Jack had a wit and sense of humor that came out at unexpected times and had a devilish way about him. At times he was known as Bad Jack, but he was truly a gentleman, was genuine, and will be missed by those who knew him well.
Jack is survived by his wife Priscilla, son Karl B. and his wife Kim of Tyngsborough, daughter Kristine P. and daughter-in-law Karen of North Reading; grandchildren Gabrielle, Joshua, and Tristan, several nieces and nephews, and is pre-deceased by his son Brian E., daughter Lissa R., and brother Gerald.
Mr. Sweetland’s funeral will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, on Tuesday, May 17 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Reading Fire Department. To leave an online message of condolence please visit: www.croswellfuneralhome.com. 
