Mitchell Paul Sweet, Jr.

Mitchell P. Sweet Jr. (Mr. Mitch) age 77 passed away peacefully at Charlton Memorial Hospital on Thursday December 9, 2021.  He was the beloved husband of Claire E. Sweet.  The two were married in 1970 and spent more than 50 loving years of marriage together. Born in Fall River he was the son of the late Mitchell P. Sweet and Irene (Mello) Sweet.

He was a 1961 graduate of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. He was a 2006 inductee to the Diman hall of fame. Mitch was so proud of his only son for so many reasons, especially when he became an instructor at Diman in 1998. Upon graduation, he began serving eight years in the Air Force and was trained as a fighter jet mechanic.  His tour of duty included Thailand during the Vietnam War, Alaska and Alabama before returning to Otis Air Force Base in 1969. After an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, Mitch sought a career with a then small fast food restaurant named McDonald's.  He started as an assistant manager and advanced to manager where he received several Outstanding Awards in the early years.  He then served as Area Supervisor until 1979 and continued to receive several Outstanding Performer's Awards.  When the then 27 restaurants under his command were sold to McDonald's Corporation, he was hired to work in the Boston Region as McOpCo Supervisor.  In 1981 he was honored with the Outstanding Performance President's Award, which at that time he was the only supervisor to have ever won this award. Mitch was flown to Chicago where he was presented his award by Mr. Ray Kroc, founder of the McDonald's Corporation.  In 1982, after several years of searching, Mitch located a railroad car which he transported to Fall River, MA to be remodeled and transformed into the first ever McDonald Land Express--the likes of which had never been done before. The car, featuring a player piano, cloth napkins and tablecloths, impressed its customers with a taste of elegance and upscale dining.  In addition to his hard work and achievements, Mitch generously found time to volunteer with the Special Olympics for many years, where he assisted in coordinating events and ceremonies. After graduating from Hamburger University in Oakbrook, Illinois, from 1982 to 1985 Mitch taught as a Regional Training Consultant. He was then promoted to a Regional Field Consultant in the Boston and Hartford regions of New England covering over 50 restaurants until 1989. In 1990 Mitch left the McDonald's Corporation to return closer to home where he worked for various McDonald's restaurant owners in Southeastern New England as a Director of Operations. Mitch was a very active volunteer with his time and food donations to the Fall River Annual Jingle Bell Walk for Cancer.  In 2000 Mitch made his dreams of owning his own successful restaurant come true when he designed and developed what became the Jukebox Diner.  The 1950's replica diner was constructed in Georgia and transported to its location on Route 6 in Somerset, MA. Mitch never missed a day at the diner cooking and telling stories to his regular customers, until his retirement in 2015. In his younger years he enjoyed deep sea fishing and extensive travel including long road trips with his family and friends in his beloved conversion van listening to hours of Willie Nelson music.  Mitch was a proud family man who loved entertaining. He was known to his friends and family as one of the kindest and most generous individuals they have ever met.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his son: Mitchell P. Sweet III ,wife Jennifer, grand-daughter Jessica Denmead, husband Charlie, and his great grandson Brayden, who he adored and loved playing checkers with.  He is also survived by two sisters Sandra Maccarone, and Paula Barber, a sister in law Jeanne Cote, two nephews Scott Maccarone, Gordon Barber and a niece Jillian Warriner.

Funeral which friends and family are invited, will be Wednesday December 15, 2021 from Manuel Rogers Funeral Home 1521 N. Main St., Fall River at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony of the Dessert Church at 10:00 AM. Interment at Notre Dame Cemetery.  Calling hours on Tuesday December 14 ^th from 4-6 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.