Westbury lost one of its most passionate, devoted and caring community activists last week with the passing of Mannie Sweat Jr. The village resident, who lost his battle with cancer Feb. 6 at the age of 71, became one of the most well-known and respected members of the community he relocated to more than two decades ago.

Mr. Sweat, the eldest of 11 children born to Rebecca Meyers and the late Manning Sweat Sr., grew up in the small town of Holly Hills, SC during a time of racial oppression and segregation. He was a member of the Bethel AME Church and attended school in Orangeburg County, graduating from Roberts High School in 1956. Immediately following graduation he entered the United States Air Force where he sought opportunity, a sense of worth and an escape from racial oppression. Mr. Sweat served his country with great pride and was honorably discharged in 1960.

It was that same year that Mr. Sweat relocated to New York. He was hired by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) and his first position was in the housekeeping department at Harlem Hospital. Mr. Sweat would remain at Harlem Hospital for the next 35 years, working up the ranks to become a union shop steward, housekeeping director and, prior to retiring in 1995, was part of the HHC administration.

Not only did the job at Harlem Hospital provide Mr. Sweat with the opportunities he sought professionally, it also enabled him to meet Ann Cannon, the love of his life. Although he grew up in a small South Carolina town, Mr. Sweat had become a city boy at heart, but his love for lifelong Westbury resident Ann led him to relocate once more, settling in the village back in 1985.

Westbury soon became Mr. Sweat's hometown as well and he became active in community happenings and affairs. Over the past three decades, he worked as community development coordinator for the Incorporated Village of Westbury, was a budget advisory committee member for the Westbury School District and an organizer of the Greater Westbury Civic Associations. He was also involved with Westbury Neighborhood House Board and the Historical Society.

Perhaps the biggest mark Mr. Sweat made on the community, however, was through his involvement and leadership with the Central Westbury Civic Association (CWCA), which he became of member of 14 years ago. Not long after joining CWCA, Mr. Sweat became a member of its board and, in the early 1990s, was appointed the group's president, a position he remained dedicated to up until the time of his death. His dedication and love for Westbury and the civic association was ever present in the pages of The Westbury Times. His civic bulletin, complete with photos, enabled residents to remain aware of issues concerning Westbury - his home.

Mr. Sweat's unwavering efforts to ensure solid community values over the years led to him being the recipient of various accolades. In the late 1990s, David Sidikman, former assemblyman of the 13th district, recognized Mr. Sweat for his dedication to the community and, in 2001, he was honored with the Sigma Beta Beta Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's Make a Difference Award for his tireless work on behalf of the local community.

Mr. Sweat's passing, said Westbury Village Mayor Ernest Strada, "is a tragic loss not just to his family but to the community of Westbury overall."

"Mannie was a dear personal friend and his interest in our village was unmatched," said Strada. "The service he extended to the Central Westbury Civic Association, his friends and neighbors, and the Village of Westbury as a whole was tireless. We will miss him sorely. This community is a much better place because of him."

Vickie Laura, who as treasurer of the civic association worked alongside Mr. Sweat for many years, added, "He was a fantastic person who certainly tried to do as much as he could for his fellow residents. It is sad that he has passed on and I hope that he has gone to a place where there is peace and no pain."

Fellow Central Westbury Civic Association member Lois Cobb said, "Mannie Sweat was an advocate for the community. He was a true gentleman, very hospitable and just an all-around nice guy."

Saddened by the news of Mr. Sweat's passing, Nassau County Legislator Roger Corbin said, "He is going to be sorely missed in this community. He was 'Mr. Civic Westbury.' His love for the civic and his community in general is a great loss." Corbin added, "Mannie was the epitome of what Westbury is all about. He was what we, as a community, should be about and all of us need to step up to the plate and follow his example."

In his last days, Mr. Sweat, a selfless man who was always giving to others, made a few requests of his own. First, he wanted to make sure those who loved him so and were there for him would do the same for his wife Ann. Although he was well aware how strong and capable she is, Mr. Sweat wanted to leave this world knowing she was looked after.

His second request was that the community he loved so much not be forgotten. Mannie Sweat never forgot Westbury and Westbury will never forget Mannie Sweat.

In addition to his wife, Ann, and mother, Rebecca, Mr. Sweat leaves behind two daughters, Patricia Sweat McKune of the Bronx and Letitia Sweat of Jersey City, NJ; four sisters and two brothers; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and extended family. The family was cared for by the Donohue Cecere Funeral Home and interment was Wednesday at Target A.M.E. Church Cemetery in Holly Hills, SC.

Those wishing to pay their last respects can do so by signing the guestbook at www.donohue-cecere.com. Additionally, in lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Sweat's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.