John W. Sweeney

JOHN WILLIAM SWEENEY , age 65 of 1862 Peruville Road, Freeville passed away quietly at his home surrounded by his lovely family. John was born to Samuel and Beatrice O’Neil Sweeney, March 22, 1946 in Cortland. He was a communicant of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Freeville and a graduate of Homer High School Class of 1964.He married Barbara Ann McElhone, December 17, 1966 who survives. Also surviving are his children; John Jr (Kristine) Sweeney of Neptune Beach Florida, Kristin (David) Strickland and Kimberly (Jeffrey) Schneider of Freeville, Matthew ( Joanne) Sweeney of Homer, Mark (Melissa) Sweeney of Lansing and Kevin (Jill) Sweeney of Atlantic Beach, Florida. Also survived by his grandchildren who will miss him dearly; Tricia (Mario Clarke), Dalton, Kristy and Tara(tickles) Strickland, Nicole, Ashley, Sean and Casey Sweeney, Taylor and Alexis Schneider , Alex Sweeney, Jill Mazzone Krueger, Patrick Mazzone,and Vedalia Reeves, great grandson Connor Mazzone Freeman. John is also survived by his sisters Mary (Phil) Reitano of York, PA, Betsy Vernum of Homer, Jane Tinker of Ithaca, and Samuel Jr (Pam) of Freeville. His sister-in-law Betty Itterly, brother-in-laws Harold (Angela) and Robert (Penny) McElhone and many nieces and nephews.

John together with his Father, Sam, and brother, Sam Jr, operated a farm in Homer relocating to Freeville in 1970. After “retiring” from farming John answered his second calling as a loving caregiver to his mother-in-law, Elizabeth McElhone Thompson. John went on to become a Certified Nurse Assistant, working at Kendal of Ithaca and Groton Nursing Facility. His rose gardens, perennial beds, and vegetable gardens where his pride and joy. He could be found most anytime tending to them and his well-manicured lawn.

To honor John, the family invites you to join them in “The Wearing of the Green” at a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 375 George Rd., Freeville, NY on Friday, August 19, 2011 at 10:00 am with Rev. Malachy Eloo Nwosu officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cortland, NY. Friends may call at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 W. Main St., Dryden on Thursday, August 18, 2011 from 6 – 8 pm.

Many thanks to Tompkins Co. Health Department (Karen and Samantha) for providing care for several months and to Deb, Theresa and Edie of Hospicare & Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County for their loving care and support given to John in his final days. Contributions in John’s memory can be directed to Hospicare of Tompkins County at 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or to any charity of one’s choice.