On Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Dennis Sweat, a resident of Waldorf, MD, transitioned into new life. He was born March 1, 1945 in Suffolk, VA to the late Annie M. and Matthew L. Sweat. He was educated in the public school systems of Suffolk and graduated from East Suffolk High School.

Dennis was the beloved husband of Diane Pryor Sweat, whom he married on April 17, 2004 and the devoted father of (daughters) Felicia, Joy, Terri and (stepchildren) Michelle and Kenneth Pryor.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Leondrus Sweat.

"Bopper," as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, or "Shorty Doo Wop," as he was called by close pals, Verdell "V," Kathy, Freddie "Chocolate," and Debra "Brown," cherished all his girls. He was "the man" in their lives. He truly enjoyed the company of his family and friends and loved entertaining. He was a fan of the Washington Redskins and enjoyed a wide variety of gospel music. Dennis was a veteran of the Vietnam war, having served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1972 and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He was later employed by the Department of Defense and worked in Fort Belvoir, VA. He retired after many dedicated years of service.

In addition to his wife and children, he is also survived by granddaughters; Octavia, Brianna, Bryton, Emerald and Vivian, sisters; Geraldine (Ledell) and Pat (Harvey), brothers; Charles (Vanessa) and Lynn (Lynda), aunt and uncle; Betsy and Francis "Dickey" King, sister-in-law, Janet, nephews, nieces and a host of relatives and friends.

His viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 22nd, 10:00am until time of service 11:00am in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, PA, 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home