Robert “Bob” Sween

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Robert “Bob” H. Sween, 87, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away peacefully at home beside his beloved wife of 32 years, Deborah Sween. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bob lived a rich and adventurous life filled with passion, family, and joy.

Bob was a graduate of Kents Hill High School and the University of Maine at Orono, where he nurtured a lifelong love of learning and exploration. His career as a mechanical engineer at Forster Manufacturing reflected his sharp mind and hardworking spirit, but Bob’s life was defined by much more than his work.

Bob lived for many years in Maine, where he enjoyed skiing, farming, and sailing. He spent many weekends at Saddleback Mountain, teaching his daughters to ski and also ski officiating. Together with his family, he raised Scotch Highland cattle and a wide assortment of other animals. He sailed on Wilson lake and eventually all along the East Coast of the U.S. Above all, Bob was a sailor at heart. The lake and sea was his sanctuary, and he spent countless cherished hours navigating the waters with his co-captain (Debbie). Whether racing, cruising, or simply feeling the wind in his sails, sailing was not just a hobby for Bob – it was a way of life that brought him immense joy and peace.

A man of many talents, Bob also delighted in acting and singing, captivating audiences with his vibrant stage presence in shows such as Pirates of Penzance, Miracle on 34th Street and Oklahoma with the Farmington theater group, Sandy River Players.

Bob’s legacy lives on through his four daughters: Sonna Allen (Randy Allen), Kristin Alcala (Jesse Alcala), Petrah Jacques, and Meagan King (Jake King); and his five treasured grandchildren: Cody Jacques, Jackson Jacques, Jackie Kjerstie, Monty King, and Phoebe King. Bob also leaves beloved family members, Vernon Gray, Katherine Youngblood, Hank Graef (Sharon), Helen Graef, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Eleanor Gray, and his brothers, Larry Youngblood and David Hodgkins, as well as his parents, Harold Sween and Virginia Hodgkins. Though they have passed, their love and influence remained a constant source of strength throughout Bob’s life.

Bob’s warmth, kindness, and boundless zest for life touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His spirit will live on – as steady and enduring as the tides he loved – in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he graced.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held later this summer in Maine with his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers a donation to The Tidewell Foundation (hospice care) can be made online at TidewellFoundation.org.