Eugene Sweeney

SWEENEY
Eugene W., MD, prominent dermatologist, of Tenafly, NJ, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2015 at Villa Marie Claire Hospice in Saddle River surrounded by his beloved family, after a series of strokes. He was born on May 25, 1934, to the late John and Marian (Leonard) Sweeney of Breezy Point, NY and was educated in New York City. He graduated from St. Augustine Diocesan High School in Brooklyn and completed his undergraduate work at Manhattan College. He received his medical degree at New York Medical College, completed a rotating internship at Brooklyn Hospital Center and did a residency and fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital Columbia Campus and St. Luke's Hospital Center. He pursued further study in Berlin, Dublin, Oxford and Plymouth, England. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Medicine while in Oxford. He belonged to the American Board of Dermatology and practiced dermatology for 55 years. He served two tours of active duty in the United States Navy and after decades in the reserves he retired with the rank of Captain. Dr. Sweeney had a private practice in Teaneck for over 40 years and was past Chief of Dermatology at Holy Name Hospital. In addition, he derived great pleasure and satisfaction from teaching residents as Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. He had a very large presence and was a mentor to many, quick to dispense fatherly advice. He concluded his career at Metropolitan Dermatology. An outstanding doctor beloved by his patients, Dr. Sweeney was also an avid reader and had deep knowledge in many areas, including art, languages, politics, finance and nature. He was committed to the mission of the Boy Scouts of America by being heavily involved in Troop 86, Tenafly. He loved to travel, particularly to international destinations. He was a passionate golfer, accomplished gardener, stock trader, pianist, joke and storyteller and photographer. He always had a camera in his hand and chronicled all family events but enjoyed posing for photos especially with his beloved grandchildren. He loved celebrations of any kind with family and friends and never failed to savor a good piece of cake. He was proud to say hello and numerous phrases to all his patients in their native languages. He attended both Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Society of African Missions (SMA Fathers) in Tenafly. While serving in the Navy he met the love of his life Dianne (Card) Sweeney at a USO dance and the two were married on October 24, 1964. He passed away days before their 51st wedding anniversary. Above all he cherished his family. Survivors include his wife Dianne of Tenafly; son, Edward, wife Tina and his son Kevin of Phoenix, AZ; son, Sean and his wife Erin and their children Gabriel and Cira of Scituate, MA; two sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives, patients, students and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marian Sweeney; and his brothers Leonard and William Sweeney.The family will receive friends on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Barrett Funeral Home, 148 Dean Drive, Tenafly. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be said at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Tenafly on Tuesday at 10 AM. Burial will follow in the Mount Carmel Cemetery Tenafly. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Villa Marie Claire Hospice, 12 W. Saddle River Rd. Saddle River, NJ 07458, . For directions visit www.barrettfuneralhome.net.