John Hilary Sweeney, age 54, died suddenly at his home in Duxbury on Dec, 27.

Born and raised in North Adams, Mr. Sweeney was the son of the late Vincent Hilary Sweeney and Audrey Dearing Sweeney.

Mr. Sweeney graduated from Drury High School and the US Coast Guard Academy. He also earned a Masters degree from Golden Gate University and a law degree from American University. He was admitted to the bar in four states. His military career included serving as commanding officer of the Coast Guard patrol boat Point Steel, navigator of high-endurance cutters and as a senior instructor for the US Navy’s Ship Handling School.

Mr. Sweeney’s passion was the sea, encompassing offshore sailboat racing, maritime law and insurance, and boating education. He held a US Merchant Marine 100 ton master’s license, was a US Sailing certified power boat instructor, and a was prominent face in the world of major league sailboat racing.

He leaves his partner, Patricia Hall Loring of Duxbury; his brothers Peter Michael Sweeney of Hyde Park, Vt.; and Paul Dearing Sweeney of Chester, Conn., and their families.

Contributions can be made to scholarships in Mr. Sweeney’s name at the Annapolis Community Sailing Program, at Annapolisboating.org, PO Box 4367, Annapolis, MD 21403 and/or to the Pleon Yacht Club, PO Box 160, Marblehead , MA 01945.

A celebration of his life will be held in Duxbury and Annapolis, Md. in April of 2011.