Joseph M. Sweet

Sweet Joseph M. Sweet, 43, of Minneapolis, MN, died suddenly on Friday (Oct. 4, 2002) following a trans-Atlantic flight from Minneapolis to France. He was born on September 13, 1959, in Hartford, CT, and grew up in South Windsor. Joe graduated from South Windsor High School and from Fitchburg (MA) State College. He also studied for a year at the University of Queensland in Australia on a Rotary Fellowship. He pursued a successful career in advertising in New York City, where he produced award-winning work in various media, and in Minneapolis, where he and creative partner, David Carter, pioneered the concept of making short films for use on the Internet, and, most recently, was part of a team which won 2002 top advertising awards, the Grand Clio, and the One Show ``Best of Show'' for their work for BMW of North America. He recently wrote, directed, and produced a feature-length film, ``How to Kill a Mockingbird'' which was celebrated by the growing film-making community in Minneapolis, and was screened there in August. He is survived by his beloved wife, Germaine (Deagan) Sweet, and by his parents, Mark and Julia Sweet of South Windsor; his brother, James of Los Angeles; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Jennifer Sweet and Derrik Woodbury of Tucson, AZ, and Susan and Bill Warmington of Wellesley, MA. He maintained a close relationship with his nephews, Christopher Vincent of Tucson, and Teddy and Gus Warmington. He will be sadly missed also by his aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends, in all of whom he took great joy. A memorial foundation to award grants to aspiring and independent film makers is being established in Joe's name. Contributions may be sent to ``Joe Sweet Film Fund,'' 3820 Vincent Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55410. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 15, 2002 at 3:30 pm at the Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN (612-729-7369). Calling hours will be Monday, October 14 from 4:00 to 7:30 pm at the David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata, MN (952-473-5577).

Published on October 13, 2002