William Richard Sweet ’59

William Richard Sweet ’59 died on March 15. He entered Dartmouth from Melrose (Massachusetts) High School and was the first member of his family to attend college. He majored in history and was a member of Sigma Nu. Following graduation Bill served more than three years as a communications officer in the Navy, mostly aboard a destroyer. He then began a 35-year career in banking, first in Boston but mainly on the West Coast, principally in San Francisco, with about 10 years in southern California. Beginning in 1966 he was a lending officer for both domestic and international customers first with Wells Fargo Bank and then with Union Bank of California. He was involved in many Dartmouth and class of 1959 activities, serving in a number of capacities, including, for almost 20 years, as bequest chair for his class, successfully encouraging many classmates to join the Bartlett Tower Society. After retirement Bill served on the board of several mutual funds and was an active volunteer, particularly for the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County. He leaves Hannah, his wife of almost 50 years; sons Andrew (and spouse Alexis) and Matthew ’98; three grandchildren; siblings George and Louise; and several nieces and nephews. His sister, Ann, predeceased him.


Portfolio

Book cover Original Sin with photo of hands over face
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New titles from Dartmouth writers (July/August 2025)
Woman posing with art sculpture
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Alumni first returned to campus for official reunions in 1855.

Illustration of woman in movie theater eating popcorn
Katie Silberman ’09
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