Dorchester youth hockey loses its champion after Sweeney passes

Dorchester’s youth hockey community lost a central figure when Matthew J. Sweeney Jr. died on Sunday, Nov. 1. Sweeney, 60, served as the president of Dorchester Youth Hockey and left behind his wife Jill and two adult children, Connor and Ryan Sweeney.

Sweeney’s tenure at the helm of the local program coincided with one of its most successful periods. He helped guide the organization to national recognition, most notably during the 2010 season. That year, the Dorchester Chiefs captured a national championship, marking the third such title for the Midget program. In a May 2010 interview with the Dorchester Reporter, Sweeney praised the team’s performance, stating that the players showed “a lot of poise and class in going undefeated in this tournament.” He added that the program was “extremely proud of the effort” from both coaches and players.

Beyond his work in local sports, Sweeney maintained strong ties to his alma mater. He was a graduate of UMass Boston and served on the university’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. In that role, he helped support the alumni community and maintain connections among graduates. This week, the UMass Boston Alumni Association released a memorial tribute describing him as a “proud UMass Boston alumnus” and a “cherished friend.” The association noted that his “kindness, friendship, and commitment to our alumni community will be deeply missed.”

Family services are scheduled for the coming weekend in Dorchester. Visiting hours are set for Sunday, Nov. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the John J. O’Connor & Son Funeral Home, located at 740 Adams St. in Adams Village. A funeral Mass will take place Monday, Nov. 9, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Brendan’s Church in Dorchester. Following the service, Sweeney will be interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery. The family has directed those seeking biographical details or wishing to send condolences to the obituary at the funeral home.