Brian E. Sweetland, 59

Passion for motorcycles, the outdoors

Published May 23, 2019

NORTH READING — Brian E. Sweetland, 59, of North Reading, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 12, 2019.

Born in Melrose on November 30, 1959, he was a lifelong resident of North Reading. Brian was a graduate of North Reading High School. He was a concrete truck driver for the Wakefield Concrete Company and was a member of the Teamster’s Union.

Brian was a member of the First Baptist Church in Wakefield and a former member of the First Baptist Church in North Reading.

He was a loving and caring, sensitive son, husband, step-father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was always willing to help his family and friends with his many talents.

He was a hands-on guy who spent endless hours tinkering with engines, beginning as a young boy at Larkin Lawnmowers. From there his interests grew into a passion for motorcycles and riding, for which his talents were remarkable. He could usually be found outdoors especially in warm weather when he could enjoy the pool he built with the help of friends and family.

Family members include his loving wife Karen (Sheppard) Sweetland; his daughters, Jennifer Curley and Jessica Donaldson and her husband Jared; his parents, Jack Sweetland and Priscilla (Burleigh) Sweetland; his mother-in-law, Lorraine Sheppard; his brother, Karl Sweetland and his wife Kim; his sisters, Kristine Sweetland and the late Lissa Sweetland; his grandchildren, R.J., Jordan Emma, Sydney and Jack; his niece, Gabrielle, and nephews, Joshua and Tristan; close friends, William (Billy) Mitchell, Robert (Bobby) O’Keefe and Charles (Big Daddy) Kilgore; also many, many friends and adored extended family.

Visitation was held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Sunday, May 19 and Monday, May 20 for a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to: National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). World Suicide Prevention Day is Sept. 10, 2019. For online condolences please visit: www.croswellfuneralhome.com.