Howard Sweeney

Mr. Howard F. "Bub" Sweeney, 89, longtime Thurmont resident, died peacefully Sunday, January 26, 2014 at St. Catherine's Nursing Center in Emmitsburg, where he had resided since March of 2013. Twice married, he was predeceased by his wives, Pauline and Jessie.

Born February 6, 1924 in Thurmont, he was the son of the late Howard and Hattie Sweeney.

Bub was owner/operator of Sweeneys Grocery, a longtime fixture in the Catoctin Furnace area for 60 years. He was an interesting man, always full of knowledge. He loved the church of which he was a faithful member, Harriet Chapel Episcopal Church. He always enjoyed the visits with his church friends, Pastor Sally and Father Beck.

He was a World War II veteran of the United States Army. Bub was an Anti-tank Gunner with the Invasion of Normandy, and he was a Marksman. He received the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Medal with 1 Bronze Star. He also received a Good Conduct Medal.

Bub enjoyed reading the Bible, running the grocery store and talking with people.

He is survived by nieces, Elaine Nunemaker, Betty Mumma, Ruth Hartdagen, and Virginia Gelwicks; nephews, Dick Weddle, and Satch Smith and wife, Judy; and many great nieces and great nephews; and also great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Franklin "Snook" Sweeney; sisters, Blanche "Dode" Penwell, Pauline "Punk" Weddle, and Gladys "Boots" Smith' brothers-in-law, Les Penwell, Lee Weddle, and Wilton Smith, Sr.; sister-in-law, Ruth Sweeney; nephew, Leonard Penwell; and niece, Delores Devilbiss.

Bub will be remembered by his great-great nephew, Wayne Smith, Jr., who spent a lot of time listening to Uncle Bub's stories and providing a helping hand when needed.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 31 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 104 E. Main St., Thurmont. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 1 at Catoctin Episcopal Parish, Harriet Chapel, 12625 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont. Officiating will be Pastor Sally Joyner-Giffin.

Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stauffer Funeral Homes to assist with funeral expenses.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.

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