Joseph William Sweeney

Joseph William Sweeney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at the age of 90.

Joe was born on August 18, 1933, in Ashley, Pennsylvania to the late Patrick F. and Margaret M. Sweeney (nee Brennan). He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marge (nee Margaret Mary Reed), daughters Karen Huston (Mark), Mary Ellen Fortier (Thomas), Bernadette Sweeney (Robert Bailey), as well as six grandchildren Emily Lynn (Ray), Christian Fortier, Claire Huston, Hannah Fortier, Norah Bailey, Alison Bailey, and two great-grandchildren Carter Lynn and Charlotte Lynn. He is also survived by his sister Mary A. Gallagher of Winter Park, Florida.  He was predeceased by his four brothers, Patrick, James, Bernard, John, and sister Margaret Robinson. 

Joe spent his childhood years in Ashley, Pennsylvania, and proudly served his country for two years in the United States Army before relocating to the Washington, DC area to begin his career.  He was an advertising executive with the Catholic Standard newspaper of the Archdiocese of Washington for 35 years until his retirement in 1998. 

Joe was a proud Irishman and devout Catholic. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteered at his parish, and served on the boards of local schools and Catholic institutions, including the Academy of the Holy Names and Loyola Retreat House. 

Joe’s warm nature, handsome, easy smile and wonderful sense of humor drew people to him.  He always gave others the benefit of the doubt. 

Second only to Joe’s love of family was his passion for golf and the friendships he forged over 35 years as a member at Argyle Country Club, where his name is etched on the list of club champions as well as in the hearts of everyone who knew him.   

Joe leaves a beautiful legacy of family devotion, faith and charity.  He will be deeply missed. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joe’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, http://events.stjude.org/JosephWilliamSweeney.

Services private.