Joseph E. Sweeny
Joseph E. Sweeny, age 68, died suddenly on May 8, 2016. Born October 5, 1947 (Erie, Pa.).
Predeceased by parents Frederick and Norma Weakley Sweeny and uncle the Rev. Robert Sweeny.
Graduate Edinboro University and post-graduate SUNY Fredonia. Thirtyeight years of his professional career were dedicated to inspiring the middle and high school students of Dunkirk as a social studies teacher.
Chair of the school districts social studies department for several years. Advocate and voice for teachers and students; president of, and negotiator for, the Dunkirk T.A. (19972007). Elected by his peers to serve on NYSUT Board of Directors (19862016).
Political spokesperson for local NYSUT teacher unions across the Southern Tier. Advocacy for teachers, students and working families is known and respected statewide.
Represented teachers as member of 3020a panels in Albany and WNY.
Promoted values and candidates of Democratic party; past chair Dunkirk Democratic Committee; current chair Fredonia Pomfret Democratics.
Organized and participated in countless political and labor rallies and events throughout New York State, often bringing his children along. Represented his Congressional district as delegate 2004 Democratic Convention (Boston).
Loved politics, reading, history, cars, motorcycles and genealogy. Traveled extensively with his children, partner, and family, whether by car or motorcycle; turning political and union events into vacations as well.
Left to celebrate his life are his children Caitlin (Mitchell) Carlson, Sloan, NY; Robert Sweeny and Patrick Sweeny, Fredonia, NY; stepmother Nancy Sweeny, brother Charles (Molly) Sweeny, Erie; their sons and daughter, Daniel (Melanie) Sweeny; Michael Sweeny, Erie; Kathy (Mona) Wallace, Pittsburgh; brother John Sweeny, Dunkirk; brother Robert Sweeny, Esq., California; sister Terry Hammond, Utah; partner Mary Ellen Decker, her son Andrew Decker, Florida; Jenny (Christopher) Pagliarini, Maryland; and three dogs.
Contributions in Joe’s memory can be made to The Dunkirk Pet Pantry, The Lakeshore Humane Society, The Dunkirk Historical Society.
Calling hours May 20 McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home Dunkirk 4 to 8 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial May 21 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Dunkirk 11 a.m.
Joseph E. Sweeny
Joseph E. Sweeny, age 68, died suddenly on May 8, 2016. Born October 5, 1947 (Erie, Pa.).
Predeceased by parents Frederick and Norma Weakley Sweeny and uncle the Rev. Robert Sweeny.
Graduate Edinboro University and post-graduate SUNY Fredonia. Thirty-eight years of his professional career were dedicated to inspiring the middle and high school students of Dunkirk as a social studies teacher.
Chair of the school districts social studies department for several years. Advocate and voice for teachers and students; president of, and negotiator for, the Dunkirk T.A. (1997-2007). Elected by his peers to serve on NYSUT Board of Directors (1986-2016).
Political spokesperson for local NYSUT teacher unions across the Southern Tier. Advocacy for teachers, students and working families is known and respected statewide.
Represented teachers as member of 3020a panels in Albany and WNY.
Promoted values and candidates of Democratic party; past chair Dunkirk Democratic Committee; current chair Fredonia Pomfret Democratics.
Organized and participated in countless political and labor rallies and events throughout New York State, often bringing his children along. Represented his Congressional district as delegate 2004 Democratic Convention (Boston).
Loved politics, reading, history, cars, motorcycles and genealogy. Traveled extensively with his children, partner, and family, whether by car or motorcycle; turning political and union events into vacations as well.
Left to celebrate his life are his children Caitlin (Mitchell) Carlson, Sloan, NY; Robert Sweeny and Patrick Sweeny, Fredonia, NY; stepmother Nancy Sweeny, brother Charles (Molly) Sweeny, Erie; their sons and daughter, Daniel (Melanie) Sweeny; Michael Sweeny, Erie; Kathy (Mona) Wallace, Pitts-burgh; brother John Sweeny, Dunkirk; brother Robert Sweeny, Esq., California; sister Terry Hammond, Utah; partner Mary Ellen Decker, her son An-drew Decker, Florida; Jenny (Christopher) Pagliarini, Maryland; and three dogs.
Contributions in Joe’s memory can be made to The Dunkirk Pet Pantry, The Lakeshore Humane Society, The Dunkirk Historical Society.
Calling hours May 20 McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home Dunkirk 4 to 8 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial May 21 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Dunkirk 11 a.m.
Joseph E. Sweeny
Joseph E. Sweeny, age 68, of Fredonia died suddenly Sunday morning (May 8, 2016) at Buffalo General Hospital.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass which will be celebrated Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 11 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Calling hours will be held Friday May 20, from 4-8 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
A complete obituary will be published in Sunday’s OBSERVER.
Joseph E. Sweeny
Joseph E. Sweeny, 68, of Fredonia died unexpectedly Sunday morning (May 8, 2016) at Buffalo General Hospital following a brief illness.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.