Chris Sweet

Christopher Michael Sweet, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, died June 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.

Chris was born November 15, 1969, in Omaha, Nebraska, and adopted by Vicki and Mike Sweet.  Chris was proud to be adopted.  He expressed many times throughout his life that he “had won the lottery” the day he became “a Sweet.”

Chris started Kindergarten in Billings, MT, but spent most of his formative years in Rapid City, SD.  He attended Meadowbrook Elementary School, West Junior High, and graduated in 1988 from Stevens High School.  He participated in soccer, baseball, wrestling, and played trumpet in the Stevens High School Band.

Chris began college at San Diego State University and graduated from Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1996 and a Master of Arts in Teaching Writing in 1999.  Over the years he used his writing skills working for CBS College Sports Network and Inside Lacrosse magazine, editing textbooks, and doing virtual classroom productions.

Chris loved music (especially the Grateful Dead), the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, quoting movies (particularly “The Big Lebowski”), and living in Pittsburgh. He was an avid reader, and a true, giving friend to many throughout his life.

In January 2024, Chris received his cancer diagnosis.  During the next 5 months he was cared for by a dedicated team of oncologists, surgeons, nurses and doctors at UPMC.  Chris made many new friendships during this time due to his fun-loving personality.  He constantly expressed gratitude for the care he received.

Chris leaves behind a family and group of friends who loved him.  He is survived by his parents, Mike and Vicki Sweet of Rapid City, SD, and four siblings (and siblings-in-law): Susan Sweet (Andrew Browder) of Lafayette, CO; Sarah Behrendt (Kirk), of Whitefish Bay, WI; Mary Bohon (Mike) of Shawnee, KS, and Charles Sweet (Erin) of Wellington, CO. He is also survived by 5 nieces, 4 nephews, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

A private family Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.