Obituary: Richard Neal Sweet - Class of 1967

MADISON - Richard Neal Sweet died of melanoma in Madison, on Monday, April 7, 2014.

Dick was born in Madison to Ben Sweet and Miriam (Gast) Sweet on Jan. 10, 1949, and was a lifelong Madison resident. He graduated from Lincoln grade school, Central High, UW-Madison, and UW Law School. Dick worked as an attorney for 36 years for the Wisconsin Legislative Council, a job that he enjoyed involving a mix of law and public policy. He specialized in health law, veterans issues, and administrative rules, and was widely respected for his work with the Wisconsin Legislature as well as the National Conference of State Legislatures. He retired in 2011 and enjoyed time reading, cooking, doing volunteer work, auditing UW classes, taking his collie, Riley, to dog parks, and spending time with family and friends. He was an ardent fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and UW sports.

While they were both working in the Legislature, Dick and Judy Zvara began dating and were married on a beautiful fall day in 1982 at the University Club on State Street. That day, October 3, was also the day the Milwaukee Brewers sealed their inclusion in the 1982 playoffs. Dick and Judy spent part of their honeymoon cheering for the Brewers at the World Series in Milwaukee.

Dick and Judy loved camping, cross-country skiing, and traveling; their pre-child adventures included a month-long trip to the British Isles. They enjoyed vacationing with their children at Disney World, Longboat Key, Fla., and many road trips in between. The family favorite was the annual trip "Up North" to northern Wisconsin with friends. Dick was known for his kindness, his humility, his even-handed and analytical approach to issues great and small, his dry wit, and his legendary knowledge of 50s and 60s rock music.

Dick is survived by his wife, Judy Zvara; children, Kathryn and David Sweet; and grandson, Oliver Sweet. Riley the collie already misses Dick's loving companionship. Dick is further survived by his sister, Linda Sweet; uncle, Morris Sweet (Helen); cousins, Pauline Sinnamon (Jim), Mark Sweet (Lynn), Nan Roytberg (Dimitry), and Mona Carver (David); sister-in-law, Carol Gobel; niece, Kristina Gobel (Steve Burgun) and their children, Matthew and Michael; and nephew, Gregory Gobel.

The family thanks the many friends with whom we have spent wonderful times through the years and who provided so much support during Dick's illness.

 Memorials may be made to RSVP of Dane County, The Road Home, or a charity of your choice.

A gathering to celebrate Dick's life will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at 1 p.m. at the UNIVERSITY CLUB, 803 State St., in Madison.

 Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 9, 2014. Submitted by Sidney Iwanter (Class of 1967) and Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1969).