Final Salute

CHESAPEAKE, VA- Ralph Sweetland, 75, formerly of Yarmouth, Maine, died on September 3, 2023. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, John and Brockie Sweetland; brother, Johnny Sweetland; and six fur babies.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Leslie Sweetland; brother, George Sweetland (Gert) of Yarmouth, ME; sister, Brockie Powers (Wes) of Chesapeake, VA and their families; two sons, Ralph Sweetland (Patti) and Todd Sweetland (Susan) of Mobile, AL; two granddaughters; one grandson; five great-granddaughters; and two great-grandsons.

Ralph served in the United States Navy in the Seabees, stationed overseas for 17 1/2 years, including Vietnam. He retired after 20 years as a Chief (UTC). After his service, he worked at Manning Convalescent Home as Maintenance Director, then worked and retired from Province Place of Maryview as Plant Services Director.

Ralph was a member of the Merrifields Garden Club, Tidewater Daylily Society, Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve, Colonial Williamsburg, Fleet Reserve Association, Disabled American Veterans, National Rifle Association; and Trout Unlimited. He had a love of gardening (especially daylilies), hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, cooking and grilling. He loved to feed the variety of birds and wildlife that came into the yard.

He touched the lives of every person he met with his smile and jokes, including children with his Santa Claus look.

He will be buried at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Ralph requested that donations be made to the Travis Mills Foundation, 647 Castle Island Road, Mt. Vernon, ME 04352, or a charity of your choice.

www.SturtevantFH.com

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