John Joseph Sweeney

John Joseph Sweeney, 89, beloved husband of Jean Byrnes Sweeney and devoted father and grandfather, died August 5, at Hancock Hall in Danbury. Born in Lakeville, Conn., July 1, 1923, he was a son of Michael and Ann O’Neill Sweeney.

Mr Sweeney was a longtime Newtown Middle School teacher, an Army veteran of World War II, and a parish leader of St Peter’s Church of Danbury.

He served for three years as an Army engineer, rising to the rank of staff sergeant. He served much of the time in the European Theater, stationed in England and France.

A member of St Peter Roman Catholic Church, he was active in many aspects of parish life for several decades. While raising his two sons, Mr Sweeney served as a Cub and Boy Scout leader in Danbury for many years.

He worked in the Newtown Public Schools for 36 years, teaching generations of students, primarily as an eighth grade social studies teacher at the middle school. Whenever he ran an errand around the area, it was invariably punctuated by a warm greeting from a former student.

He was an avid St Louis Cardinals fan. A caddie as a youth, he had a lifetime love of golf, which he passed on to his sons.

In addition to his wife of 63 years, he is survived by sons Robert, an attorney in New Haven, and Bill, an editor in New York. He leaves two daughters-in-law, Doretta Sweeney and Ellie Sweeney; two grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A son, Kevin, and a brother and sister-in-law predeceased Mr Sweeney.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated August 9. Burial was scheduled for Friday, August 10, at the convenience of the family, in St Peter Cemetery, Danbury. Memorial donations may be made to St Peter Church, 104 Main Street, Danbury CT 0681.

Online condolences may be made at www.thegreenfuneralhome.com.

The Newtown Bee        August 10, 2012