Robert G. “Tater” Sweetman, age 80 of Newark, DE passed away on June 1, 2016. He was born on May 18, 1936 in Newark, DE to the late, Thomas F. Sweetman and Julia M. (Lloyd) Sweetman.

Robert worked for General (Kraft) Foods until his retirement in 1998. Sergeant First Class Sweetman retired from the Delaware Army National Guard, 198th Signal Battalion, A Company serving from 1956-1990. Bob was a member of many organizations such as the Newark Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 630 where he was a Life Member and Past Governor, member of the Ancient Order of the Croaking Frogs, Mother Pond #1, and the New Castle County Hundred Rod and Gun Club.

“Tater” joined Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company on May 1, 1962 serving for over 54 years. He was elected as an Assistant Chief, Chief Engineer and later as a member of the Board of Directors. He was one of Aetna’s representatives at many fire service organizations throughout his career. In 1977 he was elected President of the New Castle County Chiefs Association. He served as President of the New Castle County Volunteer Firefighters Association in 1981. He served many years as a member of the New Castle County Fire Advisory Board. He was elected President of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association in 1988 and was a life member of the Delaware Valley Fire Chief’s Association. He joined the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association in 1979 and served as Sergeant of Arms. In his spare time he enjoyed his summers at Buttonwood Beach since 1977.

Robert is survived by his son, Rob “Dusty” Sweetman and his wife, Tracy of Newark, DE; grandchildren: Kyle Sweetman and his wife, Jennifer of Newark, DE, Kaitlyn Mohler and her husband, Brandon of Newark, DE, and Courtney Sweetman of Newark, DE; and great-grandchildren: Caleigh Sweetman and Jaxon Sweetman.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann “Smokey” Sweetman who passed away in 2011.

A celebration of Tater’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 10:00AM at Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company, 400 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE 19711. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 from 6:00-8:00PM in the Aetna Hall. Burial will follow the service at Delaware Veteran’s Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd, Bear, DE 19701. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to, “Bob ‘Tater’ Sweetman Educational Fund” and sent in care of R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Directors and Crematory, 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.