John Stephen Sweeny (burial)

by Editor on July 22, 2013

Private Committal Service

John S. Sweeny

John Stephen Sweeny

Section 66 Lot 5 Grave 3

John Stephen Sweeny was born in Juneau, Alaska on June 4, 1953. He died July 12, 2013 in Providence, Rhode Island.

John’s entire life was a pursuit of excellence. He was an all-star athlete at South Hills Catholic High School in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and again at the University of Rhode Island, excelling in both football and track. He then turned his attention to martial arts, where he earned a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do. Later on, he achieved a red sash in Ta’i Chi Chaun. Although he no doubt displayed a natural athletic prowess, it was his relentless practice and dedication that brought John such remarkable success in each discipline.

John shined brightest, though, in the sky. He was an incredible pilot, logging thousands of hours carving through the air in his airplane. He flew like a poet, with seemingly effortless grace. Always using his passion for the benefit of others, John volunteered many hours to the Angel Flight organization, transporting families in need of medical attention. One of his great joys was his annual trip to the EEA AirVenture Convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with his cousin and best friend, Daniel Sweeny.

With ever expanding interests, and skills instilled in him by his father Norman, John continuously built things with his hands. He designed and constructed immaculate gardens, sheds, and decks to adorn his beautiful home. He was building an airplane in his basement. He learned the viola and violin, and played alongside others in a chamber orchestra. He trained his hunting dog, Jag, with expert dedication. He built a successful business, and was not only a generous employer, but a mentor and friend, earning the resounding respect of his business community.

Of all the things that John built over his lifetime, nothing brought him more pride and joy than his family. He was a patient and loving husband, father, and grandfather, forever showering his family with love and encouragement, and quiet understanding. To his wife, Lorna, he was the love of her life, her rock, and her best friend. Together they enjoyed nothing more than spending time with their grandchildren, Skyler and Violet. To his children Joanna, David, and Brian, he was a source of unconditional love and support, and always set an example of kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity.

John loved his family more than anything on earth. One of seven children, his siblings will remember him especially for his formidable and outrageous sense of humor. John’s wit was razor sharp, but never used to cut. He could light up a room, telling story after story. At the height of his tale, his eyes would well up in tears of laughter, his nostrils would begin to flair, and the room around him would simply explode with joy and uproarious laughter. He was magnetic, and you just wanted to sit by him, joke with him, and learn from him.

John’s accomplishments, passions and generosity were guided by his steadfast faith in God. He was very active at Cranston Christian Fellowship Church, where he served faithfully. His joyful voice could be heard belting out hymns, and harmonizing with those around him. Young and old alike looked to him for his prudence and wisdom.

John Stephen Sweeny was taken from us entirely too soon. Left to carry his torch and preserve his spirit is his loving wife, Lorna; his three children Joanna Lynn Sweeny Edwards, David John Sweeny and Brian Christopher Sweeny; son-in-law Michael Joseph Edwards, and daughter-in-law Anna Maureen Sweeny; his granddaughters Skyler Grace and Violet Carmella Edwards; his proud parents Norman and Mary Helen Sweeny; his siblings Patricia Sweeny, Timothy Sweeny, Thomas Sweeny, Peggy Redford, Maureen Burton, and Eileen Karras; Cousin Daniel Sweeny, their respective spouses, and many, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

There will be a private burial. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 17 at Cranston Christian Fellowship, 1114 Scituate Ave, Cranston, RI 02921. Donations in his memory may be made to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, www.cjdfoundation.org.

Arrangements made by Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home.

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post:

  • Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery

    Mailing Address: 6365 Post Road | North Kingstown, RI 02852 | Telephone: (401)884-7691

  • Copyright © 2010 – 2024  Mary E. Codd
    Website Design by Growing Minds, Inc.