Joseph Francis Sweetland Jr.

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Joseph Francis Sweetland Jr., 72, of Dunedin, FL passed peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 with family by his side.

He was born on September 21, 1943 in Orlando, FL to the late Joseph Francis Sweetland and Imelda (Scallin). Joe was the first-born and given the nickname "Skip" by his parents because he was the Skipper of their ship. He grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island and was in the first graduating class of Bishop Hendricken High School where he made life-long friends. He served in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. He graduated from Johnson & Wales University. Joe had a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit leaving a smile on everyone's face. He enjoyed meeting new people and learning about their families. He was a life-long sports enthusiast and especially loved golf and football. He loved the beach and working outdoors in construction and at the golf course. If Joe considered you his friend, you were his friend for life and he had many. He "freakin'” loved life and will rock on in heaven as "Bad Dad".

He is pre-deceased by his sister, Francine Fry. He is survived by his siblings Mary Jane Sweetland; Elizabeth Faria and her husband, John; Patricia Sweetland; and Owen Sweetland and his wife, Elaine.

He was a devoted and loving father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren Kelli Sweetland and her son Ryan Lafrancis; Joseph F. Sweetland III and his son Joseph F. Sweetland IV; Scott Sweetland and his son Kerrick Sweetland; and Amy Sweetland. He is survived by his former wife and the mother of his children, Kathleen Tarpey.

Joe is survived by and will be deeply missed by his loving companion of 20 years, Joanne Pieper. He is survived by and was a second father to her children Pamela Ernst, Terri Adams, Jodie Randall, Jamie Carter and the late David Randall Jr. Jo #1 and Joe #2, as they were known together, always wore coordinating outfits and as a couple enjoyed cruises, shopping, dining, concerts (especially Pink Floyd) and attending Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dunedin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to http://donate.fisherhouse.org/BayPines